Florida Department of Health issues mosquito borne illness advisory for Wakulla County

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Health (DOH) advises residents there has been increased mosquito-borne disease activity in Wakulla County. There is one confirmed human case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus that resulted in a fatality in Wakulla County.
The Wakulla County Health Department (CHD) reminds residents and visitors to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes that may cause encephalitis disease. Wakulla County Mosquito Control and the Wakulla CHD will continue surveillance and prevention efforts and encourage residents to take basic precautions to help limit exposure to mosquitoes.
To protect against mosquitoes, practice the “5 D’s”:
Dusk and Dawn – Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are seeking blood.
Dress – Wear clothing that covers most of your skin.
DEET – When the potential exists for exposure to mosquitoes, it is recommended to use repellents containing up to 30 percent DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). Other effective mosquito repellents include picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535. Always read label directions carefully for the approved usage before you apply a repellent. Some repellents are not suitable for children.
Drainage – Check around your home to rid the area of standing water since that is where mosquitoes lay their eggs.
Follow these tips to help eliminating mosquito breeding sites:
Clean out eaves, troughs and gutters.
Remove old tires or drill holes in those used in playgrounds to drain.
Turn over or remove empty plastic pots.
Pick up all beverage containers and cups outside.
Check tarps on boats or other equipment that may collect water.
Pump out bilges on boats.
Replace water in birdbaths and pet or other animal feeding dishes at least once a week.
Change water in plant trays, including hanging plants, at least once a week.
Remove vegetation or obstructions in drainage ditches that prevent the flow of water.
DOH continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito borne illnesses, including West Nile virus infections, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, and dengue. Residents of Florida are encouraged to report dead birds via the web site http://myfwc.com/bird/.
For more information on mosquito-borne illnesses, visit DOH’s Environmental Health web site at http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Environment/medicine/arboviral/index.html or call your local county health department. The mission of the Florida Department of Health is to promote, protect and improve the health of all people in Florida.

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