SARASOTA, Fla. (WSNN) — The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County said it has seen an increase in mosquito-borne activity in Sarasota County.
Three sentinel chickens have tested positive for the disease, health officials said. The department also warned “the risk of transmission to humans has increased.”
The department did not say where the chickens were located.
The warning from health officials comes after a person in Manatee County was diagnosed with West Nile.
To protect yourself, the health department said you should remember to “drain and cover”: get rid of any standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying and cover your skin with clothing or repellent.
You should also consider covering doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
To find out more about insect-borne diseases, visit the Florida Department of Health’s website.
To help fight West Nile, and other diseases, Florida Fish and Wildlife also asks you to report any dead birds you find on its website.