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For Release Saturday,
16th November, 2002 |
CONTACT: TIM O’CONNOR |
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PHONE:561-355-3576
FAX:561- 355-3038
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PALM BEACH
COUNTY, FL-The Palm Beach County Health Department and Florida Department of Health confirmed the second human case of West Nile virus encephalitis in a 65 year old county resident making this the 20th human case statewide. This latest case confirms the need to continue the Medical Alert for this area.
Palm Beach County Health Department Director, Dr. Jean Malecki said, "We want people to know that they should not become complacent and that it is still very important they take every precaution to avoid mosquito bites. This virus is definitely here and shows no signs of going away."
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. 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 may include headache, fever, fatigue, dizziness, weakness and confusion. Persons experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention. Nationally there have been 3587 reported cases and 211 deaths.
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.
To date there have been 33 sentinel chickens and 7 wild birds confirmed with the West Nile Virus.
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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