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The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County has put out an advisory that there's been an uptick in mosquito-borne disease activity in western communities.
Several sentinel chickens have tested positive for flavivirus infections and officials say the risk of transmission to humans has increased.
The areas impacted are Belle Glade, western Boca Raton, Jupiter Farms and Wellington.
Residents are urged to drain any standing water on their property and wear mosquito repellent when outdoors and repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches and patios.
Also be sure to turn over those plastic play pools for children, if there is water sitting in them.
Here's more from the Dept. of Health:
To protect yourself from mosquitoes, you should remember to “Drain and Cover”:
DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.
Drain water from garbage cans,house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.
Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans,broken appliances and other items that aren't being used.
Empty and clean bird baths and pet's water bowls at least once or twice a week.
Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
COVER skin with clothing or repellent.
Clothing-Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long-sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
Repellent-Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.
Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus,para-menthane-diol,2-undecanoneandIR3535 are effective.
Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2months old.
COVER doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house.
Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios.