The Florida Department of Health in Brevard County confirmed West Nile virus in several sentinel chickens on September 3, 2026. The detection comes as part of routine monitoring by the DOH-Brevard and Brevard County Mosquito Control. Sentinel chickens are used to track mosquito-borne diseases, and this is the first confirmed case in the county this year. West Nile virus spreads through the bite of infected mosquitoes and can cause severe illness in humans.
DOH-Brevard and Brevard County Mosquito Control are enhancing surveillance and increasing mosquito treatment efforts. Officials have begun overnight spraying in affected areas to reduce the risk of transmission. The departments are also urging residents to take precautions against mosquito bites.
Residents are being advised to use EPA-approved insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants during peak mosquito hours, and eliminate standing water around homes. These measures aim to reduce human exposure to infected mosquitoes.
The confirmation follows a separate dengue case reported in Orange County, which also triggered mosquito control actions. However, officials emphasized that the West Nile case in Brevard is distinct and requires localized response. The DOH-Brevard will continue monitoring the situation and updating the public as needed.