September 10, 2015

PREVENT MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESSES
--Take precautionary measures--

Contact:
Communications Office
Page.Jolly@FLHealth.gov
Office:  850-606-8190; Cell:  850-321-3213

Tallahassee, Fla. –. The Florida Department of Health in Leon County (DOH-Leon) reminds residents and visitors of the importance of protecting themselves against mosquito-borne diseases because mosquitoes are still active through late summer and early fall.  The public should remain diligent in using preventive measures like “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 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.

COVERskin with clothing or repellent.

• CLOTHING:  Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves when you are outside.
• REPELLENT:  Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.
  • Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are effective.
• NETTING:  Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

Tips on Repellent Use

• Always read label directions carefully for the approved usage before you apply a repellent.  Some repellents are not suitable for children.
• Products with concentrations of up to 30% DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) are generally recommended.  Other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-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.
• In 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 three years. DEET is not recommended on children younger than two months old.
• Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children. Adults should apply repellent first to their own hands and then transfer it to the child’s skin and clothing.
• If additional protection is necessary, apply a permethrin repellent directly to your clothing.  Again, always follow the manufacturer’s directions.

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

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

 Find the best repellent for you by using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s search tool for skin-applied repellent products at http://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect/#searchform.

 DOH continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, St. Louis Encephalitis, malaria and dengue. For more information on mosquito-borne illnesses, visit DOH’s website at https://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/mosquito-borne-diseases/index.html or call DOH-Leon at 606-8190.

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 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.

Contact information: Florida Department of Health in Leon County, 2965 Municipal Way, Tallahassee, FL 32304