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12/17/15 Press Release: Take Precaution to Prevent Mosquito-borne Disease

December 18, 2015

Dec. 17, 2015

Mosquito Season is Still Here
Take Precaution to Prevent Mosquito-borne Disease

Contact:
Cheryl Dunn, Environmental Manager
cheryl.dunn@flhealth.gov
772-794-7440

Indian River County, Fla. – Due to high temperatures and rainfall, mosquitoes are still prevalent in Indian River County. This has led to recent detections of the West Nile Virus in a sentinel flock of chickens maintained in the county. Florida Department of Health in Indian River County and Indian River Mosquito Control District want to emphasize the importance of residents and visitors protecting themselves against mosquito-borne diseases. Because of our climate on the Treasure Coast, there is at least some risk of exposure to mosquito-borne disease throughout the year.

DOH-Indian River reminds residents and visitors to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to take basic precautions to help limit exposure.

To protect yourself from mosquitoes, you should remember to “Drain and Cover”:

DRAINstanding water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.

  • Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.
  • Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren't being used.
  • Empty and clean birdbaths and pet's water bowls at least once or twice a week.
  • Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
  • Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

COVERskin with clothing or repellent.

  • Clothing - Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long-sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
  • Repellent - Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.
  • Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, and IR3535 are effective.
  • Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

COVERdoors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house.

  • Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios.

Symptoms of West Nile Virus disease may include headache, fever, fatigue, dizziness, weakness and confusion. Physicians should contact their county health department if they suspect an individual may have a mosquito-borne illness.

The department continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, chikungunya, and dengue. For more information, visit https://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/mosquito-borne-diseases/ or call Indian River County Health Department at 772-794-7440. 

For more information on Indian River Mosquito Control District and their activities including spray trucks, larval control, source reduction, tire collection, disease surveillance, and research visit http://irmosquito.com or call 772-562-2393.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

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