Chickens test positive for West Nile virus in St. Johns County

Risk of transmission to humans increases

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Several sentinel chicken flocks have tested positive for West Nile virus in St. Johns County, health officials said Thursday.

As a result, the risk of transmission to humans has increased, according to the Florida Department of Health in St. Johns County.

Officials said the Anastasia Mosquito Control District and the Department of Health continue surveillance and prevention efforts.

"We have had up to 20 West Nile viruses caught in the chickens this year, and we are almost at the end of the year," said Chris Bibbs, of Mosquito Control.

Bibbs said officials have identified 43 species of mosquitoes in St. Johns County, and seven of those carry disease, like West Nile. Bibbs said mosquitoes will remain active for several more months.

"We're getting a bit of a cool snap, and some people may be saying, 'Oh, freedom,' spending more time outside gardening," Bibbs said. "But mosquito season continues until November, so it's important for people to remember that."

Earlier this month, a 63-year-old Jacksonville woman became the first confirmed case of West Nile virus this year in Duval County.

West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne illness and is not spread from person to person. There is no specific medication or vaccine for the virus.

Health officials advise the public to remain diligent in their personal mosquito protection efforts by remembering to "Drain and Cover."

Drain standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.

  • Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.
  • Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren't being used.
  • Empty and clean birdbaths and pets' water bowls at least once or twice a week.
  • Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don't accumulate water.
  • Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

Cover skin with clothing or repellent.

  • Clothing -- Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
  • Repellent -- Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective. Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

Cover doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house. Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches and patios.

Always read label directions carefully for the approved usage before you apply a repellent. Some repellents are not suitable for children.

Products with concentrations of up to 30 percent DEET are generally recommended. Other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved repellents contain picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. These products are generally available at local pharmacies. Look for active ingredients to be listed on the product label.

Apply insect repellent to exposed skin or onto clothing, but not under clothing.

In protecting children, read label instructions to be sure the repellent is age-appropriate. According to the CDC, mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under the age of 3. DEET is not recommended on children younger than 2 months old.

Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children. Adults should apply repellent first to their own hands and then transfer it to the child's skin and clothing.

If additional protection is necessary, apply a permethrin repellent directly to your clothing. Again, always follow the manufacturer's directions.

For more information on what repellent is right for you, consider using the Environmental Protection Agency search tool to help you choose skin-applied repellent products.

The Department of Health continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, and dengue. Residents of Florida are encouraged to report dead birds via the website for Surveillance of Wild-bird Die-offs. For more information, visit DOH's website or call the Duval County Health Department at 904-253-1850.


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