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For Release Tuesday,
24th September, 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-In response to Palm Beach County being added to the "Medical Alert" for West Nile Virus, Dr. Jean Malecki, Health Department Director, is urging residents of Palm Beach County to protect themselves from Mosquito Bites.
As of today two additional wild birds (Jays) and two horses were confirmed to have had the West Nile Virus bringing the non-sentinel animal total to 8. The Jays were found in Lake Worth and Tequesta. The horses are located in Wellington and The Acreage. These latest findings now confirm West Nile Virus being present in all areas of the county.
The Health Department has been in touch with a number of community organizations, mosquito control, the School District of Palm Beach County and Governmental Officials in an effort to get the prevention message out. At this time, the alert does not mean any nighttime school related or other activities are being cancelled. Individuals are being asked to take the following precautions:
- 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.
The Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection has now offered funds for waste tire collection, a source for standing water, and the Solid-Waste Authority will be administering the program. Other organizations contacted are the homeless coalition, which is organizing insect repellant distribution to the homeless. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts who will educate their members on protection from mosquitoes during outdoor activities. The Palm Beach County Parks Department will be advising its users of the necessary precautions during their evening activities. Fishing and other camps and outdoor marinas along Lake Okeechobee are being issued precautionary flyers. Mosquito Control is continuing its efforts to reduce the mosquito populations throughout the county.
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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