Press Release
OCTOBER 17th, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
|
CONTACT: TIM O’CONNOR
PHONE:561-355-3576
FAX:561- 355-3038
|
|
|
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.
6 sentinel chickens from
Jupiter to Delray Beach and
west to Belle Glade were
presumed to be carrying West
Nile Virus this week and are
pending confirmation
sampling. To date over 27
mosquito pools and 10 wild
birds have also tested
positive for the disease.
Throughout the State there
have been 61 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. The overall
mosquito population is
reported to be down and
conditions remain
unfavorable for an increase
in the mosquito population.
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.
<<
Back to Press
|
