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West Nile Virus Found In Bird In Fort Lauderdale

A blue jay in Fort Lauderdale's Victoria Park neighborhood was confirmed on Wednesday to have died from West Nile virus, the first case of the mosquito-borne illness in Broward County this year.

The bird's death does not indicate an increased risk to humans, but should remind people to take precautions because the virus is present in the bird and mosquito populations, health officials said.

"We're not surprised by this case," said Dr. James Cresanta, a disease control specialist at the Broward County Health Department. "We know the virus has been here in Florida and Broward County for quite some time. It's probably just a matter of time before we get a human case."

A resident in the 600 block of Northeast 10th Avenue found the dead bird July 2. It's unclear whether the bird contracted the virus in that neighborhood or elsewhere, said Howard Rosen, environmental administrator for the health department.

West Nile has been found previously this year in central and northern Florida. As of July 14, the state had recorded 82 infected birds, horses and other animals, including a goose in Miami-Dade County. No human cases have been reported.

"I'm sure if we keep checking dead birds we'll find more," Rosen said.

Last year, 28 Floridians were stricken by the virus and two died, and about 2,000 birds and animals were infected. A horse in Coconut Creek and a bird in Cooper City were the only cases in Broward County.

The disease causes headache, fever, fatigue, dizziness, weakness and confusion. It can lead to death, especially among the elderly or very young.

Health officials urge people to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes:

Don't stay outside during dusk and dawn feeding times.

Wear long pants and sleeves at night. Use insect repellent with DEET.

Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed