Press Release
OCTOBER 31st, 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—All
early detection and sentinel
methods for mosquito borne
disease continue to confirm
the presence of West Nile
Virus throughout the county.
10 sentinel chickens from North Palm Beach to Boca Raton and
west to Belle Glade were
confirmed to be carrying
West Nile Virus this week
and one other is presumed
positive bringing this
year’s total to 83. To date
over 27 mosquito pools and
10 wild birds have also
tested positive for the
disease. Throughout the
State there have been 73
human cases of West Nile
Virus, none have been in
Palm Beach County.
Health Department Director,
Dr. Jean Malecki commented,
“The county remains under
a medical alert for mosquito
borne disease and I continue
to warn all people to
prevent mosquito bites.”
Malecki added that parents
should follow the following
recommendations especially
when children are outside at
night.
- 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.
Mosquito Control is
continuing its efforts to
reduce the mosquito
populations throughout the
county through target
spraying. The overall
mosquito population is
reported to be below average
and conditions remain
unfavorable for an increase
in the mosquito population.
Problem areas with
mosquitoes should be
reported to Mosquito Control
at 561-967-6480.
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.
To report dead wild birds contact the Health Department at
561-355-3070 or Florida Fish
and Wildlife Conservation
Commission.
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