Press Release
SEPTEMBER 19th, 2003
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—All
early detection and sentinel
methods for mosquito borne
disease continue to confirm
the presence of West Nile
Virus throughout the county.
Seven sentinel chickens from Loxahatchee, Belle Glade,
Pahokee, and North Palm
Beach/Jupiter were confirmed
to be carrying West Nile
Virus bringing the total to
43 this summer. To date 27
mosquito pools and 7 wild
birds have also tested
positive for the disease. 11
other chickens from North
Palm Beach/Jupiter, Lake
Worth, Delray Beach, Boca
Raton and West Palm Beach
are presumed positive and
are pending confirmation.
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 mosquitoes from
biting. ”
Malecki recommends people
use the five D’s:
- Avoid outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active (normally at
Dusk and Dawn).
- If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are active, Dress by
wearing shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
- Use mosquito repellant containing DEET according to the manufacturer's label directions.
- Drain 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
continuing its efforts to
reduce the mosquito
populations throughout the
county through target
spraying. 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.
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