Pinellas, Fla. - The Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County (DOH-Pinellas) advises residents there has been an increase in mosquito-borne disease activity in areas of Pinellas County. Several sentinel chickens have tested positive for West Nile virus infection. DOH-Pinellas and Pinellas County Mosquito Control are coordinating surveillance and prevention efforts by conducting fogging, aerial larvicide, and ground efforts searching for additional breeding locations.

DOH-Pinellas reminds the community to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by taking these basic precautions.

The Department continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, chikungunya, and dengue. Residents of Florida are encouraged to report dead birds to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s site.

For more information, visit the Department’s website or contact your county health department.

About the Florida Department of Health

The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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