DOVER, Del. (AP) - Public health officials say West Nile virus has been detected in chickens that are monitored in an effort to prevent spread of the virus in Delaware.
The Division of Public Health reported the results from blood samples from chickens at a monitoring station in Wilmington on Thursday. The birds, called sentinel chickens, are tested every two weeks for antibodies to West Nile.
Officials will increase its monitoring activities in the area.
West Nile virus can infect humans. Health officials say patients have symptoms similar to a mild flu, if they show any symptoms at all. A very small percentage of patients, usually the elderly, can become seriously ill or die.