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     PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL-The Palm Beach County Health Department and Florida Department of Health confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus encephalitis in a 49 year old county resident making this the 19th human case statewide. This latest case confirms the need to continue the Medical Alert for this area and 35 other counties throughout the state.

    Palm Beach County Health Department Director, Dr. Jean Malecki said, "We want people to know that with the onset of cooler weather the mosquito population may be reduced but it is still very important they take every precaution to avoid mosquito bites. This is an excellent example of what can happen." 

Malecki further emphasized the precautions people can take:

• Avoid outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active.
• If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are active, cover up by wearing shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirt.
• Use mosquito repellant containing DEET according to the manufacturer's label directions.
• Eliminate stagnant water in birdbaths, ponds and other receptacles in which mosquitoes might breed.
• Be sure doors and window screens are tight fitting and in good repair.

    Mosquito Control continues to monitor the mosquito populations throughout the county. The most recent report has the population numbers and complaint calls below average for this time of year. Weather conditions are not favorable for an increase in these numbers. Citizens can report problem areas of mosquitoes to mosquito control at 561-967-6480.

    In Florida 36 counties are on Medical Alert for West Nile Virus. The signs and symptoms for West Nile Virus may include headache, fever, fatigue, dizziness, weakness and confusion. Persons experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention.

    Those seeking medical advice on West Nile Virus can call the Palm Beach County Health Department at 561-840-4564 or the State of Florida Epidemiology Department at 1-888-880-5782.

    The sentinel chicken flocks located throughout the county showed no new or presumptive cases this week.

    To report dead wild birds contact the West Nile Hotline at 1-800-871-9703.

more on West Nile
West Nile > Sentinel Updates > Reporting Dead Birds

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