By By Lisa Tindell – news editor
West Nile Virus has hit Escambia County as health officials were notified last week of the discovery in one human case.
Ricky Elliott, administrator for the Escambia County Health Department said the case could be connected to the virus being detected in sentinel chickens in nearby Baldwin County.
Elliott said fall weather could increase the risks and possibilities of other cases with increased outdoor activity.
West Nile Virus, EEE and other mosquito-borne viruses are transmitted from bird to mosquito to bird, Elliott said.
Elliott said horses can be protected from the EEE and West Nile Virus through the use of special vaccines.
The Escambia County Health Department established a mosquito surveillance program this year that includes trapping and testing and sentinel chicken surveillance, Elliott said.
The activities are conducted to monitor mosquito-borne diseases and track mosquito populations.
Elliott said the briquettes can be picked up at the Brewton and Atmore offices of the Escambia County Health Department.