Press Release
DECEMBER 19th, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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CONTACT: TIM O’CONNOR
PHONE:561-355-3576
FAX:561- 355-3038
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PALM BEACH COUNTY,
FL-Early detection and
sentinel methods for
mosquito borne disease
confirmed three new
positives for West Nile
Virus on a retest from early
December. No new cases have
been evident for the past
two weeks in the county.
Testing will be discontinued
until mid-January following
replacement of the existing
sentinel chicken flock.
Since January 2003 over 28 mosquito pools, 10 wild birds and
106 sentinel chickens have
tested positive for the
disease. Throughout the
State there have been 88
human cases of West Nile
Virus, none have been in
Palm Beach County
Health Department Director, Dr. Jean Malecki commented,
"We are pleased that the
mosquito population is
diminishing with the cooler
weather. However, I would
like to remind people to
continue to take preventive
measures against mosquito
bites."
Malecki recommends:
- Dusk and Dawn—Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are
seeking blood, for many species this is during the dusk and dawn hours.
-
Dress—Wear clothing that covers skin.
- DEET—When the
potential exists for exposure to mosquitoes, repellants containing DEET
(N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, or N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) are
recommended. Products with concentrations of 30% DEET are generally
recommended for most situations. (It is not recommended to use DEET on
children less than two months old. Instead, infants should be kept indoors
or mosquito netting used over carriers when mosquitoes are present). If
additional protection is necessary, apply a permethrin repellant directly to
your clothing. Always read the manufacturer’s directions carefully before
you put on a repellant.
- Drainage—Check your home to rid it of
standing water in which mosquitoes can lay their eggs.
- Screens—Make
sure doors and windows remain closed and sealed completely by screens at
night.
The
signs and symptoms for West
Nile Virus and other
mosquito borne diseases may
include headache, fever,
fatigue, dizziness, weakness
and confusion. Persons
experiencing these symptoms
should seek medical
attention.
Those seeking medical advice on mosquito borne diseases can
call the Palm Beach County
Health Department at
561-840-4564 or the State of
Florida Epidemiology
Department at
1-888-880-5782.
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