LEE COUNTY, Fla.- The Lee County Health Department reminds everyone to take steps to avoid mosquito bites, as an increased number of sentinel chicken flocks tested positive for West Nile Virus and St. Louis Encephalitis this week. There have been no human or animal cases of either West Nile Virus or St. Louis Encephalitis reported in Lee County.

The Health Department reminds residents and visitors to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes that may cause disease. Lee County Mosquito Control and the health department continue surveillance and prevention efforts and encourage everyone to take basic precautions to help limit exposure by following the department of health recommendations.

To protect yourself from mosquitoes, you should remember “Drain and Cover”:

DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying and COVER skin with clothing or repellent. COVER doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house

Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios.