Escambia Health Department Lifts Mosquito Borne Illness Alert

December 17, 2014

A mosquito-borne illness alert that was issued back in August   for Escambia County has been lifted, the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County announced Tuesday.

Although mosquito-borne illnesses are less common in the winter months, the health department still urges local residents to “Drain and Cover”  to protect against being bitten by mosquitoes:

Drain standing water.

  • 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. Water held in open containers in your house is also a potential breeding location for mosquitoes.
  • Discard old tires, bottles, pots, broken appliances and other items that aren’t being used.
  • Empty and clean birdbaths and pets’ water bowls at least twice a week.
  • When protecting boats and vehicles from rain, ensure that tarps don’t accumulate water.
  • Maintain swimming pools in good condition and keep them adequately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

Cover skin with clothing or repellent and cover doors and windows.

  • Clothing – Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves when mosquitoes are most prevalent.
  • Use repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535.
  • Always use repellents according to the label. Using too much repellent doesn’t make it work better or last longer.
  • Re-apply mosquito repellent as often as needed to prevent mosquito landings and bites.
  • When using repellent on children, apply to your hands first and then rub on their arms and legs.
  • Instead of repellent, use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
  • Place screens on windows, doors, porches, and patios. Always repair broken screens.

For more information contact the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County at (850) 595-6700 or visit www.EscambiaHealth.com.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News