West Nile kills chicken; county urges precautions

FLORAL CITY -- The West Nile virus has made its first showing of the year in Citrus County, infecting one of the sentinel chickens used to detect the virus.

The case is no cause for alarm, county health officials said, but serves as a reminder that residents should take preventive measures to guard against the mosquito-borne virus.

No human cases of the virus have been reported this year in Florida, although chickens in other parts of the state have tested positive for the virus.

The virus can cause flulike symptoms and, in extreme cases, a swelling of the brain that can lead to death. It poses the greatest risk to people older than 50 and those with weakened immune systems.

Fatalities are rare, although seven people in Louisiana have died this year as a result of the virus.

"We want people to realize they can take the protective measures to reduce their risk of exposure," said Jim Rashely, environmental manager for the Citrus County Health Department.

The Health Department advises residents to:

-- Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are likely to be active and biting.

-- Cover up by wearing shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts if you must go out during mosquitoes' active hours.

-- Use mosquito repellent containing DEET, the active chemical ingredient in most repellents.

-- Eliminate stagnant water in birdbaths, ponds and low-lying areas around the yard.

The Health Department keeps seven flocks of sentinel chickens in Citrus County, and tests the fowl every other week for the virus. The chicken that tested positive Aug. 9 for the virus is in Floral City.

A dead crow in Hernando County last week tested positive for the virus as well.

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