Norfolk, Va. – Two sentinel chickens have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) and one has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in Norfolk.
The Norfolk Department of Public Health (NDPH) reports that the two WNV-positive chickens are located in the Ballentine Place community, while the EEE-positive chicken is located near the Old Dominion University neighborhood.
This is the only incidence that Norfolk sentinel chickens have tested positive for mosquito-borne disease this year, officials say.
Weather permitting, the NDPH Vector Control Division will begin fogging in these areas this Friday morning, September 27, 2013 and will continue through the weekend.
Additionally, NDPH staff will increase mosquito trapping and surveillance.
Norfolk residents, especially people over age 50, should take action to prevent and protect themselves and their families from mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, spread to birds, humans, horses, and other mammals through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Most people bitten by an infected mosquito do not get sick. People who do get sick usually suffer a mild flu-like illness and those over age 50 are at greatest risk of serious illness, such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).
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