Sentinel chicken flocks maintained by local governments and the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) are showing an increase in mosquito-borne viruses that can make people and animals sick.

These birds are showing an increase in Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) activity from mosquito bites. Four horses have also been reported with EEE.

"Recent rainfall in some parts of the state, along with the warm summer weather, provides ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes," said State Epidemiologist Dr. Jeff Engel. "Mosquitoes can be more than just a nuisance - they can also make people seriously ill. Now is the time to fight the bite!"

To avoid human illness, Public Health officials are urging North Carolinians to take simple steps to prevent mosquito bites and to reduce mosquito breeding conditions around the home.

In addition to using mosquito repellant and wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, pest management experts suggest making your yard less mosquito-friendly by getting rid of containers that hold water, a potential mosquito breeding ground.

Take a good look at your yard to spot potential problem areas," said Dr. Nolan Newton, chief of DENR's Public Health Pest Management Section. "Things like bird baths, old tires, planters, toys and even small containers like tin cans can give mosquitoes a place to thrive. Cover rain barrels with tight-fitting screening and clean out birdbaths at least twice a week."

For additional information regarding mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illness, go to the following websites: www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/phpm and www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/arbovirus, or search for "mosquito" on the CDC site at http://www.cdc.gov or the N.C. Public Health site at www.ncpublichealth.com.