Press Release
AUGUST 13th, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
|
NEWS
MEDIA ONLY: TIM O’CONNOR
561-671-4013 or
press50@doh.state.fl.us |
PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL—The
Palm Beach County Health
Department’s early detection
system for mosquito borne
diseases, the sentinel
chickens, confirmed three
positives for West Nile
Virus in the western region
of the county today. This is
the first confirmation this
year.
“We are constantly monitoring chickens we have placed
throughout the county,” said
Health Director Dr. Alina
Alonso. “These birds are an
excellent way to discover
mosquito borne diseases in
our area. This early
detection is also a great
way to advise people on
preventive measures everyone
can take.”
Another mosquito borne disease Dengue Fever has had
Floridians on watch since
being discovered in Key West
earlier this year. Yesterday
Broward County reported a
locally acquired case of
this disease.
Dr. Alonso advises to be
watchful for possible
exposure through a mosquito
biting.
-
Limit your exposure by
not going outside at
dusk or dawn.
-
If you are outside,
avoid getting bitten by
wearing long sleeves,
long pants, socks
-
Use an insect repellant
containing DEET.
-
Drain any standing water
from around your
dwelling
-
Be sure screens are in
good repair .
Mosquito control is
continuing its efforts to
reduce the mosquito
population through spraying.
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