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For Release Friday,
4th October, 2002 |
CONTACT: TIM O’CONNOR |
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PHONE:561-355-3576
FAX:561- 355-3038
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PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL-The County remains under a Medical Alert for West Nile Virus as sentinel chickens in western Lake Worth and Belle Glade are presumed positive for the disease. Citizens are being strongly urged to protect themselves from Mosquito Bites and organizations are being urged to assess the risks of bites during outdoor nighttime activities.
As of today, one more chicken tested positive in Far Western Palm Beach County and a first time positive was found in Western Lake Worth. These latest findings bring the total to 16 sentinel chickens and 6 wild birds confirmed with the virus in various locations throughout the area.
Palm Beach County Health Department Director, Dr. Jean Malecki commented, "We continue to have West Nile Virus activity in animals which indicates there is a risk to people. I am asking organizations, that sponsor night time activities, to educate their participants on preventive measures against mosquito
bites.
Malecki recommends:
- Avoid outdoor activities when mosquitoes are active.
- If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are active, cover up by wearing shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirt.
- Use mosquito repellant containing DEET according to the manufacturer's label directions.
- Eliminate stagnant water in birdbaths, ponds and other receptacles in which mosquitoes might breed.
- Be sure doors and window screens are tight fitting and in good repair.
Mosquito Control is increasing its efforts to reduce the mosquito populations throughout the county and are doing target spraying. Problem areas with mosquitoes should be reported to mosquito control at 561-967-6480.
In Florida 24 counties have now been put on Medical Alert and seven human cases associated with mosquitoes have been reported. Two others have been attributed to transplant surgery. Florida has had no deaths associated with the disease but there have been over 100 in the United States.
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 561-840-4564 or the State of Florida Epidemiology Department at 1-888-880-5782.
To report dead wild birds contact the West Nile Hotline at 1-800-871-9703.
more on West Nile
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Nile > Sentinel Updates > Reporting
Dead Birds
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