Media Release

This press release put out at the request of the Alachua County Health Department.

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Florida Department of Health in Alachua County emphasizes the importance of protection against mosquito-borne diseases. “Due to the heavy rainfall and isolated flooding throughout Alachua County this summer, our surveillance system is showing an increase in mosquito populations and is detecting the presence of mosquito borne viruses.” said Anthony Dennis, Environmental Health Director, Alachua County Health Department. To prevent mosquitoes from living and multiplying around your home or business, individuals should remember to drain and cover.

DRAIN standing water:

• Drain water from garbage cans, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater 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 pets’ 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 your skin with:

• Clothing - If you must be outside when mosquitoes are active, cover up. Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves.
• Repellent - Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with 10-30 percent DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are effective.
• Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

COVER doors and windows with screens:

• Keep mosquitoes out of your house. Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches and patios.

Symptoms of West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis may include headache, fever, fatigue, dizziness, weakness and confusion.  Physicians should contact the local county health department if they suspect an individual may have a mosquito-borne illness.  State of Florida Department of Health laboratories provides testing services for physicians treating patients with clinical signs of mosquito-borne diseases. 

For information on mosquito-borne illnesses, visit the Environmental Health website, or call the Alachua County Health Department at 352-334-7900.