West Nile virus found on farms in Jupiter, Florida



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The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County alerted residents Thursday after the discovery of West Nile virus on farms in Jupiter, a community in West Florida, off the coast of Florida. Indiantown Road.

The mosquito-borne disease, which can cause symptoms such as headaches, fever, pain and fatigue, has been detected in sentinel chicken blood samples, which are regularly analyzed for blood to determine if people are at risk. to contract the virus.

The department said it had "strategically" placed chickens from Delray Beach in Jupiter and west to Belle Glade and Pahokee because they do not contract the disease but may be carriers.

The discovery prompted the department to warn residents to "take the necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites".

"We are constantly monitoring mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus, Chikungunya and St. Louis encephalitis," said Palm Beach County Department of Health Director Dr. Alina Alonso. a statement. "The confirmation of the presence of West Nile virus today is a good reminder for everyone to take the necessary preventive measures."

Among the precautions, according to the health service:

Empty any stagnant water around the house or business to avoid a place where mosquitoes can leave their eggs.

Remove windows and doors and use air conditioning if possible.

Always use an insect repellent containing DEET or Picardin when you go out.

Wear a light long-sleeved shirt, long pants and socks, especially at dusk and dawn.

In recent years, the Zika virus has been the most important mosquito-borne disease, the Ministry of Health said.

For more information, visit www.flhealthpalmbeach.org or www.flhealth.gov.

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