The Pinellas County, Florida mosquito control has confirmed St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) in three sentinel chickens, according to a post on the Pinellas County government Facebook page Friday.
The chickens were located at Walsingham Park (2) and one at Sawgrass Lake Park. According to the Florida Department of Health Arbovirus surveillance, as of Aug. 30, there has been a total of 27 sentinel chickens positive for SLEV.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Saint Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Most cases of SLEV disease have occurred in eastern and central states (see map). Most persons infected with SLEV have no apparent illness. Initial symptoms of those who become ill include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and tiredness. Severe neuroinvasive disease (often involving encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain) occurs more commonly in older adults. In rare cases, long-term disability or death can result. There is no specific treatment for SLEV infection; care is based on symptoms.
