Press Release
AUGUST 20th, 2004
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- The weekly
monitoring of sentinel
chickens confirmed the
presence of West Nile Virus
in the Belle Glade, Pahokee,
and 20-mile bend areas
today. These four West Nile
Virus positive Chickens
bring this year’s total to
11. Health Officials are
urging all residents to
protect themselves from
mosquito bites.
Health Officials Recommend:
- Avoid outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active (normally at
dusk and dawn).
-
If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are active, cover up by wearing
shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
- 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.
To
date, 25 of the 67 counties
in Florida have reported
West Nile Activity and there
have been 12 human cases of
the virus in the state.
Mosquito Control is continuing 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.
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.
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