This press
release put out at the request of the Alachua County Health
Department.
ALACHUA
COUNTY, FL - The Florida Department of Health in Alachua County (DOH-Alachua)
today confirmed a locally acquired case of West Nile virus illness. Alachua
County health officials urge residents and visitors to take basic precautions to
limit exposure to mosquitoes. “Avoiding mosquito bites is the key to preventing
infection with West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases,” said Anthony
Dennis, Environmental Health Director with the DOH-Alachua.
DOH-Alachua
and local mosquito control continues surveillance and prevention efforts
throughout the County. DOH-Alachua reminds residents and visitors
to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by taking precautions to prevent mosquitoes
from living and multiplying around your home or business by remembering to drain
and cover.
DRAIN
and COVER
DRAIN
standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.
· DRAIN:
water from garbage cans, house gutters, 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 a week.
· PROTECT:
boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don't accumulate water.
· MAINTAIN:
the water balance (pool chemistry) of swimming pools. Empty plastic swimming
pools when not in use.
COVER
your skin with clothing and use mosquito repellent.
- If outside when
mosquitoes are active, cover up. Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long
sleeves.
- Always read label
directions carefully for the approved usage before applying a repellent to
skin. Some repellents are not suitable for children.
- Products with
concentrations of up to 30 percent DEET are generally recommended. Other
EPA-approved repellents contain picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535.
These products are generally available at local pharmacies. Look for active
ingredients to be listed on the product label.
- Apply insect
repellent to exposed skin or onto clothing, but not under clothing.
- When protecting
children, read label instructions to be sure the repellent is age-appropriate.
According to the CDC, mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus
should not be used on children under the age of 3 years. DEET is not
recommended on children younger than 2 months old.
- Infants should be
kept indoors or mosquito netting should be used over carriers when mosquitoes
are present.
- If additional
protection is necessary, apply a permethrin repellent directly to your
clothing. Again, always follow the manufacturer's directions.
COVER
doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out.
- Keep mosquitoes out
of houses. Repair broken screens on windows, doors, porches, and
patios.
For
more information on what repellent to use, consider using the EPA
search tool to help choose skin-applied
repellent products.
DOH
continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito borne illnesses,
including West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis
encephalitis, malaria, and dengue. Residents of Florida are encouraged to report
dead birds via the web site for Surveillance
of Wild-bird Die-offs.
For more information, visit DOH’s web site.
Report
mosquito problem to the local municipal mosquito control, or the Alachua County
Health Department at 352-334-7930.
For
more information, contact Anthony Dennis at 352-334-7930.