Press Release
JULY 7th, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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CONTACT: TIM O’CONNOR
PHONE:561-355-3576
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PALM
BEACH COUNTY, FL – The
Palm Beach County Health
Department has seven
sentinel chicken sites in
place and will be conducting
weekly testing for the
presence of mosquito borne
diseases that can infect
people throughout the
mosquito season.
During the past several years the mosquito population in the
area has been below average.
Many attribute the low
populations with the below
average rainfalls the area
has experienced. Mosquito
eggs hatch out in standing
water. The recent rainfalls
have created favorable
conditions for the mosquito
population to increase and
all should be aware that the
bite of a mosquito can
infect a person with West
Nile Virus, St. Louis
Encephalitis, and even
Malaria as was experienced
in 2003.
The Sentinel Chickens do not contract these diseases but can
carry the virus in their
blood following a mosquito
bite. The testing gives all
an early warning should
mosquitoes be carrying the
diseases.
Prevention is the key to good health, said Health Department
Director Jean Malecki, M.D.
Simple measures like
avoiding mosquito bites and
early detection through the
sentinel chicken program are
excellent preventive
measures all of us can take.
Malecki added that Palm
Beach County has not had a
human case of West Nile
Virus in five years and
hopes that the trend will
continue.
Statewide, Eastern Equine Encephalitis that primarily effects
horses has had 45 reported
cases since January. The
Department of Agriculture is
advising horse owners to
have their vaccinations up
to date. There is no West
Nile Virus or EEE vaccine
available for humans.
Preventive measures people
can take to reduce the risk
of mosquito bites are:
-
From dusk to dawn use an
insect repellant when
outdoors
-
Wear light comfortable
clothes with long
sleeves, long pants and
socks at night
-
Drain standing water
from around the house
including pots, boat
covers, containers,
gutters.
-
Repair any screens that
may have holes.
-
Healthier State in 2008 a
panel of nutrition experts
discussing nutrition
throughout a persons life
cycle. Cooperative
Extension Service, 559 N.
Military Trail, 9 AM to
noon, March 11.
Information can be obtained
on numerous health issues at
the Health Department
website,
www.pbchd.com.
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