West Nile virus confirmed north of Jupiter, Tequesta

Disease found in chicken flocks

Hobe Sound and Jupiter Island residents are being told to take precautions against mosquito bites after West Nile virus was confirmed in sentinel chicken flocks in the area, according to the Florida Department of Health.

The cases were found during routing testing for mosquito-borne viruses by health officials in Martin County. There are no suspected or confirmed cases involving humans, but the health department warns the risk of transmission to humans has increased. The chickens do not contract the disease but can carry the virus in their blood.

West Nile can result in fever, headaches, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue and skin rashes. Prior to September, the most recent case involving a person contracting West Nile in Palm Beach County was in 2011. Thus far this fall, Palm Beach County has seen document cases in sentinel chickens Jupiter Farms, Delray Beach, Belle Glade and Pahokee.

Residents are advised to protect themselves against mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing and applying insect repellent, especially at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

Residents also should repair or replace any broken windows or screens, and drain any standing water around their home or businesses as mosquitoes leave eggs in even small amounts of water, the health department said.