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/.
