Florida Department of Health advises residents to take precautionary measures to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses

Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

Florida Department of Health advises residents to take precautionary measures to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses

By DOH Communication

      TALLAHASSEE, FL — Due to the heavy rainfall and isolated flooding throughout the state this summer, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) emphasizes the importance of residents and visitors protecting themselves against mosquito-borne diseases. To prevent mosquitoes from living and multi-plying around your home or business, individuals should remember to drain and cover.

DRAIN standing water:

·        Drain water from garbage cans, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected.

·        Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren’t being used.

·        Empty and clean bird-baths and pets’ 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.

COVER your skin with:

·        Clothing – If you must be outside when mosquitoes are active, cover up. Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves.

·        Repellent – Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with 10-30 percent DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are effective.

· Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than two months old.

COVER doors and windows with screens:

·        Keep mosquitoes out of your house. Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches and patios.

Symptoms of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne ill-nesses may include headache, fever, fatigue, dizziness, and confusion. For information on mosquito-borne illnesses, visit our Environmental Health website http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Environment/medicine/arboviral/info_links_general.htm or call your local county health department.

Read Healthy Florida Summer Series: Winning the Battle Against Mosquitoes This Summer- Five Simple Tips.

DOH protects, promotes and improves the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For news story ideas, interviews, videos and more from DOH Communications visit the DOH Online Newsroom- http://newsroom.doh.state.fl.us/.

 

About Carma Henry 24363 Articles
Carma Lynn Henry Westside Gazette Newspaper 545 N.W. 7th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311 Office: (954) 525-1489 Fax: (954) 525-1861

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