Horse tests positive for mosquito-borne illness

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- The Palm Beach County Health Department is monitoring mosquito-borne illnesses after a second horse tested positive for the West Nile virus.

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported Saturday that the latest case was found in Delray Beach. The health department confirmed the two cases of the virus and two cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in horses. Both viruses are spread by mosquitoes.

State officials are advising horse owners to vaccinate their animals or have booster shots up to date.

Several sentinel chickens have tested positive for mosquito-borne illnesses across Florida, including Hernado County.

To reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes, state health officials recommend wearing clothes that cover most of their skin and applying mosquito repellent.