MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESSES ALERT ISSUED FOR WALTON COUNTY

-- Second Human Case of West Nile Virus Illness Confirmed --

WALTON COUNTY —

The Florida Department of Health in Walton County (DOH-Walton) has upgraded the mosquito-borne illness advisory to an alert for Walton County according to Holly Holt, DOH-Walton Administrator. A second human case of West Nile virus illness has been confirmed and there is a heightened concern that additional residents will become ill.

DOH-Walton continues to advise the public to remain diligent in their personal mosquito protection efforts by remembering to

"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 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.

Repellent - Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.

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Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective.

Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

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