Sentinel chickens are used as an early-warning system for mosquito-borne diseases. The birds are kept in coops around the county and regularly tested for viruses. A positive test helps officials identify areas where infected mosquitoes may be circulating.<\/p>\n
The chickens do not become visibly sick or transmit the virus to people, according to an Orange County explanation of the monitoring program<\/a>.<\/p>\n West Nile virus is most commonly spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. The health department\u2019s advisory did not announce a new human case.<\/p>\n Most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/a>. Some people experience fever, headaches, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or a rash.<\/p>\n Less than 1% of infected people develop severe illness affecting the central nervous system. Anyone experiencing a high fever, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, confusion or tremors should seek immediate medical attention.<\/p>\n How to reduce your risk<\/p>\n Health officials recommend that residents:<\/p>\n Use an insect repellent registered with the Environmental Protection Agency.Wear long, loose-fitting shirts and pants when possible.Avoid spending time outside between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus are most active.Use screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside.Empty standing water from flowerpots, buckets, birdbaths, gutters and other containers.<\/p>\n Additional prevention information is available through the Florida Department of Health<\/a>.<\/p>\n Residents can also report dead birds to state wildlife officials<\/a>, which helps agencies track mosquito-borne disease activity.<\/p>\n Click here<\/a> to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here<\/a> to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.<\/p>\n