DOH-LEON ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS TO PROTECT AGAINST MOSQUITOES 

Tallahassee, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health is reporting an increase in mosquito-borne disease activity, especially among animals, in several counties across the state.

The Florida Department of Health in Leon County confirms that there have been no reports of mosquito-borne disease activity, animal or human, anywhere in Leon County thus far in 2018.

Several horses and emus have tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus elsewhere in the state. West Nile virus (WNV) and St. Louis encephalitis (SLE) virus are also present in mosquitoes in Florida.

The risk of disease transmission through bites of infected mosquitoes to humans has increased; thus, it is important to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and take basic precautions to help limit exposure.

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

DRAIN standing water weekly 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.

COVER skin 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.
• Doors and Windows – Ensure screens are in place to keep mosquitoes out of your house. Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches and patios.

TIPS ON MOSQUITO REPELLENT

• Always read label carefully for approved usage before you apply a repellent.
• Products with concentrations of up to 30 percent DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) are generally recommended. EPA-approved repellents contain picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol or IR3535. These products are generally available at local pharmacies. Look for active ingredients listed on the product label.
• Some repellents are not suitable for children. In protecting children, read label instructions to be sure the repellent is age-appropriate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 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.
• Apply insect repellent to exposed skin, or onto clothing, but not under clothing.
• If additional protection is necessary, apply a permethrin repellent directly to your clothing. Again, always follow the manufacturer’s directions.
• For more information on what repellent is right for you, see: www.epa.gov/insect-repellents.

With regard to mosquito-borne illnesses in animals:

• • Be aware that emus infected with EEE virus can also potentially expose owners and other animals who are in direct contact with their feces, meat, organs, blood and bodily tissues. Please contact your veterinarian for information on how to safely handle potentially infected emus.
  • Some wildlife can also be infected with EEE or other mosquito-borne viruses. Do not harvest wild game that appears sick, wear gloves when dressing or preparing meat from carcasses of healthy appearing game and cook meat well.
  • For information on how to prevent EEE virus infection in horses, emus and camelids (alpacas and llamas, etc.) through vaccination, please consult your veterinarian or the University of Florida College of Large Animal Medicine.

• If you suspect your animal has EEE, consult your veterinarian.

• EEE is a reportable animal disease. Animals suspected or confirmed with the virus must be reported to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Animal Industry. For more information about the EEE virus or how to report, visit the Division of Animal Industry website at, https://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Animal-Industry.

• 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. Residents of Florida are encouraged to report dead birds via the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s site www.myfwc.com.
• For more information about mosquito-borne diseases including current surveillance data, visit DOH’s website at www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/mosquito-borne-diseases or contact DOH-Leon.
• Information from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) about equine infection with EEE and WNV can be found at: www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Animal-Industry/Agriculture-Industry/Horse-Equine/Florida-s-Reportable-Equine-Disease-Map/Eastern-Equine-Encephalitis.