Signs of West Nile virus found in Manatee

The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County on Friday advised residents there has been an increase in mosquito-borne activity after a sentinel chicken flock tested positive for the West Nile virus.

While the risk of transmission to humans has increased, the Manatee County Mosquito Control District and the health department are continuing surveillance and prevention efforts to help protect residents and visitors, according to a news release issued Friday by the health department.

About one in five people who are infected with the West Nile virus will develop a fever with other symptoms, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Less than 1 percent of infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, neurologic illness.

According to health department spokesman Thomas Iovino, the sentinel chicken program consists of placing chicken coops around Manatee County to determine if there’s the West Nile virus or eastern equine encephalitis, commonly known as EEE.

The health department on Friday issued tips on eliminating mosquito breeding sites. They include: cleaning out troughs and gutters; turning over or removing empty plastic pots; picking up all beverage containers and cups; checking tarps on boats or other equipment that may collect water; and replacing water in birdbaths and pet or other animal feeding dishes at least once a week.

The department also reminded residents and visitors to drain and cover.

The draining tips include: draining water from garbage cans, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected; discarding old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren’t being used; and maintaining swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated.

The cover tips include: covering up with shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves, if outside while mosquitoes are active; applying mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing; and always using repellents according to the label.

According to the release, repellents with 10 to 30 percent DEET (an active ingredient in many insect repellent products), picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are effective.

This story was originally published September 23, 2016 at 5:05 PM with the headline "Signs of West Nile virus found in Manatee."