Residents of Duval County are being warned about a recent increase in mosquito-borne disease activity due to an outbreak of West Nile virus. Several sentinel chickens have tested positive for the infection.
To prevent bites and reduce the risk of infection, DOH-Duval recommends taking these basic precautions:
* Use repellent correctly and on exposed skin or clothing
* Treat clothes with permethrin to repel mosquitoes
* Eliminate standing water that can breed mosquitoes (e.g., empty buckets, pet dishes, roof gutters)
* Keep air conditioning on and keep windows screened
The Florida Department of Health is also conducting statewide surveillance for other mosquito-borne illnesses. Residents are encouraged to report dead birds to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. For more information, visit DOH-Duval’s website or call 904-253-1850.
Source: https://www.news4jax.com/health/2025/08/20/duval-health-department-issues-warning-after-chickens-test-positive-for-west-nile-virus