Press Release
OCTOBER 8th, 2004
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—The
sentinel chicken program for
the early detection of West
Nile Virus got back underway
this week following delays
resulting from Hurricanes
Jeanne and Frances. To date
22 chickens have tested
positive for WNV as well as
one mosquito pool. The
mosquito population among
nuisance mosquitoes remains
very high throughout the
county and the Culex
populations that can carry
WNV and other disease have
favorable conditions for
continued population
increases. Palm Beach County
Health Department Officials
have issued an advisory to
all residents that mosquito
borne diseases are present
and all should protect
themselves from mosquito
bites.
Health Officials Recommend:
- Avoid outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active (normally at
dusk and dawn).
- If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are active, cover up by
wearing shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
- Use mosquito repellant containing DEET according to the
manufacturer’s label directions.
- Eliminate stagnant water in birdbaths, ponds, gutters and other
receptacles in which mosquitoes might breed.
- Be sure doors and window screens are tight fitting and in good
repair.
To
date, 34 of the 67 counties
in Florida have reported
West Nile Activity.
Mosquito Control is continuing its efforts to reduce the
mosquito populations
throughout the county with
aerial spraying. A mosquito
hotline has been set up to
advise on when and where
mosquito spraying is taking
place.
The number is 561-642-8775.
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 561-840-4500
or the State of Florida
Epidemiology Department at
1-888-880-5782.
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