The 2010 summer weather season is in full swing and Wakulla County residents need to aware of not only storms in the tropics, but mosquitoes in their own yards, according to Wakulla County Sheriff David Harvey. Health department officials urge residents to take precautions against the winged pests.
Both Leon and Wakulla counties have experienced a death as a result of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a disease that is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito.
EEE cases are rare as averages of only six human cases are reported each year in the United States. The virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. The family of James Burge, 56, came forward earlier this year and announced that the retired postal clerk from Sopchoppy had died July 10 as a result of EEE as a way to raise awareness.
The Wakulla County Health Department reminds residents to remain aware of the dangers of mosquito bites and take preventative measures.
Follow the “5 D’s,” which are listed below:
• Dusk and Dawn – Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are biting.
• Dress – Wear clothing that covers most of your skin.
• DEET – Use repellents containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, or N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) to help protect against being bitten by a mosquito. Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535 and permethrin are other repellent options.
• Drainage – Check around your home to rid the area of standing water, which is where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.
Follow these tips for correct repellent use:
• Read label directions carefully for the approved usage before applying a repellent to skin. Some repellents are not suitable for children. According to the CDC, mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under the age of 3 years. DEET is not recommended on children younger than two months old.
• Products with concentrations of up to 30 percent DEET are generally recommended. Mosquito repellents containing picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 can also be applied directly on skin. Permethrin can be used on clothing.
• Apply insect repellent to exposed skin, or onto clothing, but not under clothing.
• Infants should be kept indoors or mosquito netting should be used over carriers when mosquitoes are present.
DOH also offers these tips for eliminating mosquito breeding sites around your home:
• Clean out eaves, troughs and gutters.
• Remove old tires or drill holes in those used in playgrounds so water can drain.
• Turn over or remove empty pots.
• Pick up all beverage containers and cups after use.
• 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.
Most people who become sick from mosquitoes have mild symptoms like headache, fever, dizziness and fatigue, but more severe symptoms are possible. Anyone with severe symptoms should consult their primary care physician or seek immediate medical care. For more information on mosquito-borne illnesses, visit DOH’s Environmental Health web site at http://www.doh.state.fl.us/
Monitoring wild bird deaths can help officials track the spread of some mosquito-borne diseases. Anyone who discovers a dead bird is encouraged to report it on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website at www.MyFWC.com/bird/.
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