West Nile virus found in Northeast Miami-Dade Health Tips

West Nile virus found in Northeast Miami-Dade

The mosquito-borne West Nile virus has been found in a sentinel chicken in Northeast Miami-Dade, according to health officials.

So far, there are no reports of human cases, said Dr. Vincent Conte, Deputy Director of Epidemiology Disease Control and Immunization Service for the Department of Health.

The Health Department deploys sentinel chickens as mosquito bait around the county to track mosquito-borne diseases.

An alert has been sent out to area physicians to be on the lookout for patients who may be reporting symptoms of the West Nile Virus.

Symptoms include headache, fever, fatigue, dizziness, weakness and confusion. The virus can be dangerous particularly for children and elderly people.

The virus also can trigger sometimes lethal cases of meningitis and encephalitis.

Health officials became aware of the sick bird last week after a routine weekly test.

The City of North Miami posted an alert about the diseased chicken on its website Friday afternoon.

Our message is for residents to be more expeditious and protect themselves from mosquitoes. But at this time, from what we know its not something that has spread beyond the chicken, said city spokeswoman Pam Solomon. An email alert from Councilman Scott Galvin said the chicken was found in the Keystone neighborhood of North Miami Beach.

The Health Department is urging the public to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

They are: Avoid the outdoors at dawn and dusk; wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts; use bug repellents with DEET; and get rid of standing water.

Virtual Health Center