Chicken tests positive for West Nile Virus

One of the county's sentinel chickens has tested positive for West Nile Virus and local health experts are asking residents to be more cautious than usual around mosquitoes.

West Nile Virus season usually starts in July when mosquito populations increase. Last year, the county had two sentinel chickens from the Royal Highlands area test positive. Another tested positive with Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus near U.S. 19 and Osowaw Boulevard.

Due to the warm weather this winter, more mosquitoes have been active and able to transmit this deadly virus, said Guangye Hu, the county's mosquito control manager.

Since January, staff has found and treated hundreds of mosquito breeding sites, including catch basins, condemned swimming pools, drainage retention areas, ponds, and ditches.

West Nile Virus is spread by infected mosquitoes and can cause inflammation of the brain.

Hu said residents need not panic – just take precautions, especially during dusk and dawn when it is dark.

He said this particular infected chicken was found at the county sewer plant at Osowaw Boulevard and U.S. 19.

No human cases have been reported in Hernando County but anyone in the area where the virus is circulating can get infected.

The risk for infection is highest for people who work outside or participate in outdoor recreational activities, because of greater exposure to potentially infected mosquitoes.

Residents can reduce the chance of getting infected by following these steps:

• Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin and-or clothing. The repellent-insecticide permethrin can be used on clothing to protect against bites and can withstand several washes. Always follow the directions on the package.

• Wear long sleeves and pants when weather permits, especially from dawn to dusk when many mosquitoes are most active.

• Have secure, intact screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.

• Eliminate mosquito-breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets, barrels, and other containers. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they are not being used.

Horse owners are encouraged to have their horses vaccinated every six months to protect the horses from getting this deadly disease.

For more information, call the Hernando County Health Department Environmental Health office at (352) 540-6800, ext. 4. or the Mosquito Control Department at (352) 540-6552.

For additional health-related information, visit www.cdc.gov. For additional mosquito control information, visit www.hernandocounty.us/mosquito/