This press release put out at the request of the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County.
ALACHUA COUNTY, FL – Surveillance systems are detecting increased mosquito populations and the presence of mosquito borne viruses. “The Florida Department of Health in Alachua County (FDOH-Alachua) would like to remind citizens and visitors the importance of preventing infection from mosquito-borne diseases as our surveillance system is detecting increased mosquito populations and the presence mosquito borne viruses,” said FDOH-Alachua Environmental Health Director Anthony Dennis.
FDOH-Alachua and local mosquito control continues surveillance and prevention efforts throughout the County. FDOH-Alachua reminds residents and visitors to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by taking precautions to prevent mosquitoes from living and multiplying around your home or business. To prevent mosquito-borne diseases, the Florida Department of Health recommends practicing “Drain and Cover.”
Drain standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.
- Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, 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 the water balance (pool chemistry) of swimming pools. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
Cover skin with clothing and use mosquito repellent.
- If outside when mosquitoes are active, cover up. Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long sleeves.
- 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. Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than two months.
Cover doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out.
- Keep mosquitoes out of houses. Repair broken screens on windows, doors, porches, and patios.
For more information, see the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and theEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines.
Residents should report mosquito problems to their municipality’s mosquito control, or the FDOH-Alachua at 352-334-7930.
For more information, contact Anthony Dennis at 352-334-7930.