DNREC Announces Year’s First Detection of West Nile Virus from Sentinel Chickens

DNREC has announced that West Nile virus has been detected in Delaware for the first time this year after a sentinel chicken in eastern Kent County tested positive. The chicken was sampled July 20th, with the positive result confirmed July 31st by the Delaware Division of Public Health laboratory. Officials say the detection is slightly earlier than usual but aligns with West Nile virus activity seen across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast this summer. The sentinel chicken program also monitors for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a rarer but potentially more severe mosquito-borne disease affecting humans and horses. State officials say there have been no reported human cases of West Nile virus or EEE in Delaware this year. The detection will prompt additional mosquito surveillance in the area and could lead to mosquito control measures, including targeted spraying, if warranted. Residents are encouraged to eliminate standing water around their homes and take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.