Mosquito advisory remains in effect for Halloween

Vampires are not the only bloodsuckers on Halloween. That's why Palm Beach County is one of 31 Florida counties with a mosquito advisory in effect, according to the Health Department.

Trick-or-treating begins in the early evening when mosquito populations are most likely to be out in a feeding frenzy. County health officials are advising parents to keep their kids covered up.

Among the recommendations: dress children in long-sleeve clothing that covers the skin, use repellents with picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus or DEET, but not on children less than 2 months of age.

Also, repair any holes or tears in door and window screens, drain all standing water around your home and chlorinate pools to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

Dozens of sentinel chickens in seven strategic sites around Palm Beach County have tested positive for exposure to the west Nile virus since August. There were two new positive tests this past week in the central area of the county, health officials said.

Four horses have been euthanized in the county since June because they contracted the west Nile virus or eastern equine encephalitis. One human case of west Nile virus was reported in Broward in September.