Press Release
OCTOBER 3rd, 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.
Three sentinel chickens from Jupiter and west to Belle Glade
were confirmed to be
carrying West Nile Virus
bringing the total to 58
this summer. To date 27
mosquito pools and 8 wild
birds have also tested
positive for the disease.
Throughout the State there
have been 52 human cases
this year.
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 recommends people
use the five D’s:
- 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. 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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