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County health officials urge awareness of mosquito-borne illnesses

By Luis Herrera Florida Health Department of Health Clay Today
Posted 10/20/21

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The Florida Department of Health in Clay County continues to emphasize to Florida’s residents and visitors the importance of protecting themselves against mosquito-borne …

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County health officials urge awareness of mosquito-borne illnesses


Posted

GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The Florida Department of Health in Clay County continues to emphasize to Florida’s residents and visitors the importance of protecting themselves against mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile virus. DOH-Clay encourages the public to remain diligent in preventative measures like “Drain and Cover.”

Drain standing 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 rainwater has been collected.

• Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances, and other items that are not being used.

• Empty and clean birdbaths and your pet’s water bowls at least once or twice a week.

• Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that do not 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.

• Repellent - Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.

• Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-Menthane-diol, 2-undecanone, and IR3535 are effective.

• Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than two 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 percent DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) are generally recommended. Other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved repellents contain picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-Menthane-diol, 2-undecanone, 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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-Menthane-diol should not be used on children under three years of age. 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.

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

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

To determine which repellent is right for you, consider using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s search tool for skin-applied repellent products.

DOH-Clay 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, visit DOH’s website for mosquito-borne and other insect-borne diseases or call your local county health department.

Florida residents are encouraged to report sightings of dead birds via the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website for surveillance of wild-bird die-offs.