Mosquito Borne Illness Alert: Two More West Nile Cases Confirmed

October 20, 2015

A mosquito-borne illness alert for Escambia County continues after two more West Nile virus cases were recently confirmed in the county. That brings the total number of confirmed in Escambia County to four this year

There have been nine confirmed human cases of West Nile in Florida in 2015.

“Residents and visitors should take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to limit exposure to mosquito-borne illnesses,” says FDOH-Escambia Director, Dr. John J. Lanza. The Escambia County Mosquito Control Division and FDOH-Escambia continue surveillance and prevention efforts. There is heightened concern that other Escambia County residents and visitors may become ill from being bitten by an infected mosquito.

To protect yourself from mosquitoes, the health department recommends that practice of  “Drain and Cover”:

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.
  • Discard old tires, bottles, pots, broken appliances and other items not being used.
  • Empty and clean birdbaths and pets’ water bowls at least twice a week.
  • Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that do not accumulate water.
  • Maintain swimming pools in good condition and chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

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

  • Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves when mosquitoes are most prevalent.
  • Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.
  • Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective.
  • Re-apply mosquito repellent as often as needed to prevent mosquito landings and bites.
  • Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
  • When using repellent on children, apply to your hands first and then rub on their arms and legs.
  • Place screens on windows, doors, porches, and patios. Always repair broken screens.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News