West Nile Virus Advisory Issued in Manatee County

BRADENTON, FL — Manatee County residents are being asked to take extra precautions against mosquitoes after a sentinel chicken flock tested positive for the West Nile Virus.

The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County issued a health advisory for the mosquito-borne illness Friday, Sept. 23 after discovering the virus in the chickens. The creatures are used by health departments across the state to monitor for the presence of mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile.

West Nile virus produces no symptoms in about 70 to 80 percent of people infected, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some people, however, can develop such symptoms as fever, rash, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting and diarrhea. In less than 1 percent of those infected severe symptoms may develop. The infection may lead to encephalitis or meningitis, which is an inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissue, the CDC says. Of those who develop severe complications about 10 percent die.

“While the risk of transmission to humans has increased, the Manatee County Mosquito Control District and DOH-Manatee are continuing surveillance and prevention efforts to help protect residents and visitors,” DOH wrote in an email to media.

Residents can do their part by:

• Draining standing water from garbage cans, buckets, pool covers and other outdoor materials that might serve as mosquito breeding grounds
• Covering up when outside with shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves. Mosquito repellent is also recommended, especially those with 10 to 30 percent DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535. Mosquito netting should be used to protect children younger than 2 months. It’s also advised to cover up windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outdoors.

For more information on mosquito-borne illnesses, visit DOH online.

Residents are also asked to report dead birds to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The link to report can be found here.

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