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West Nile virus alert issued
By JORGE SANCHEZ
© St. Petersburg Times, LECANTO -- County health officials say people should raise their awareness of the dangers of the West Nile virus, after test results confirmed a dead bird found last month was carrying the virus. The virus, which is transmitted to humans, birds, horses and other animals by infected mosquitoes, has been reported this year in 20 states including Florida. West Nile can be fatal, though only one death, in Atlanta, has occurred in the United States this year. Four people in North Florida have had the virus and recovered. Young adults generally are not at risk of severe symptoms of West Nile unless they have other health problems; babies and elderly people are most at risk. After tests showed the dead blue jay found Aug. 22 carried the West Nile virus, Citrus County was put on alert Wednesday. An alert means people should be on a "heightened awareness," said Jim Rashley,environmental director with the Citrus County Health Department. He recommended: Stay indoors at dawn, dusk and early evenings. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when going outdoors. Use insect repellent. An effective repellent will contain 35 percent DEET. People who are 50 and older or people with compromised immune systems have the highest risk of severe disease. Rashley said the county has a monitoring program for West Nile and other viruses. The Health Department has seven flocks of chickens that are monitored for St. Louis, Eastern equine and West Nile encephalitis. The Health Department also tests dead birds that people find. Anyone who finds a dead bird and has concerns about whether it contains the virus should call the Health Department at 527-5283, and it will attempt to get the bird. People can also bring dead birds to the office at the Lecanto Government Complex. People who choose to handle a dead bird should use gloves or insert a hand into a plastic bag to pick the bird up before sealing it in a plastic bag. They may also report dead birds at wld.fwc.state.fl.us/bird.
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
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