Another Area Chicken Tests Positive For West Nile

August 30, 2009

Another sentinel chicken in Escambia County, Ala., has tested positive for West Nile Virus — this time in the Atmore area.

The Escambia County (Ala.) Health Department announced that a sentinel chicken from the Atmore area has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). Previously this summer the virus was detected in the Riverview, Pollard and Brewton areas. Ongoing public health surveillance has detected no mosquito-borne virus activity in humans in Escambia County (Ala.)  this year.

“With summer in full swing and many people enjoying outdoor activities, it is important that residents make efforts to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes,” said Escambia County (Ala.)  Health Department Environmentalist Josh Coleman. “Keep your mosquito repellent wit h you at all times when you are working or participating in recreational activities outdoors.”

West Nile virus, EEE and other mosquito-borne viruses are transmitted from bird to mosquito to bird. Occasionally, the same mosquitoes will take blood from mammals, including humans and horses. Humans and horses can sometimes become ill from the infection. The likelihood of transmission to humans and horses can be decreased by personal mosquito avoidance and the use of WNV and EEE vaccine in horses. There is no vaccine available for humans, health officials said.

Larvicide briquettes are available free to Escambia County (Ala.) residents for application in low-lying areas that retain water and ornamental ponds. These briquettes are available at the county health department in Brewton at 1115 Azalea Place and in Atmore at 8600 Highway 31 N.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News