The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County has issued a mosquito-borne illness advisory after several sentinel chickens tested positive for West Nile virus. Sentinel chickens are placed around the county as an early warning system, and when they show signs of exposure, it means infected mosquitoes are circulating in our communities. Health officials are now working with Manatee County Mosquito Control on stepped-up surveillance and prevention efforts.
So what should you do? The basics go a long way. Drain any standing water around your property, including plant saucers, buckets, gutters, and tarps. Wear long sleeves and pants during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, and use an EPA-approved repellent. If you come across a dead bird, don’t handle it. Report it to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission instead.
Statewide surveillance continues for West Nile along with Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, chikungunya, and dengue. Most people bitten by an infected mosquito never get sick, but older adults and those with weakened immune systems face higher risk. If you have questions, DOH-Manatee is available at 941-713-8822 or [email protected]. What’s your go-to trick for keeping mosquitoes off your patio? Let us know.
