NORFOLK, Va. – A sentinel chicken has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis, according to the Norfolk Department of Public Health.
Sentinel chickens are used for detection of mosquito-borne illnesses.
The chicken was located north of Wards Corner.
This is the first occurrence of a Norfolk sentinel chicken testing positive for a mosquito-borne disease this year.
The NDPH Vector Control Division has increased mosquito surveillance and control efforts in response to the positive test.
Officials remind the public that most people who are bitten don’t get sick and people who do usually suffer a mild flu-like illness.
People over 50 are at great risk of serious illness if they are to be infected.
