West Nile virus found in Palm Beach County

Health officials are warning the public to be vigilant in avoiding mosquito bites after the West Nile virus was recently detected in Palm Beach County.

The state health department uses sentinel chickens to find the presence of mosquito-borne diseases, and West Nile recently was found in Delray Beach as well as some western communities of Palm Beach County, the department said Wednesday.

The warning is a precaution: There hasn’t been a confirmed human case of West Nile virus since 2011, said Alina Alonso, the director of Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County.

The health department’s warning is its latest in recent months, after previously saying West Nile was found in Pahokee, Belle Glade and Jupiter Farms.

The virus is commonly spread to people by mosquito bites, though most people who are infected don’t ever experience symptoms. About 1 in 5 infected get a fever with headaches, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea or other symptoms. But most recover completely. The virus can cause serious illness, such as meningitis or encephalitis, in one in 150 cases, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control.

To protect against mosquito bites, the public should:

Drain any standing water from around the home or business because mosquitoes leave their eggs in any small crevice with water.

Make sure windows and doors are screened and in good condition, and use air conditioning.

Wear lightweight, longsleeved shirts, long pants and socks while outdoors, especially at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

Use insect repellent.

For more information, visit flhealthpalmbeach.org.

COURTESY People should drain any standing water from around their home or business because mosquitoes leave their eggs in any small crevice with water.