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 (DOH-Alachua) today confirmed a locally acquired case of West Nile virus illness. Alachua County health officials urge residents and visitors to take basic precautions to limit exposure to mosquitoes. “Avoiding mosquito bites is the key to preventing infection with West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases,” said Anthony Dennis, Environmental Health Director with the DOH-Alachua.

DOH-Alachua and local mosquito control continues surveillance and prevention efforts throughout the County. DOH-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 by remembering to drain and cover.

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 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 your skin with clothing and use mosquito repellent.

• If outside when mosquitoes are active, cover up. Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long sleeves.
• Always read label directions carefully for the approved usage before applying a repellent to skin. Some repellents are not suitable for children.
• Products with concentrations of up to 30 percent DEET are generally recommended. Other EPA-approved repellents contain picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. These products are generally available at local pharmacies. Look for active ingredients to be listed on the product label.
• Apply insect repellent to exposed skin or onto clothing, but not under clothing.
• When protecting children, read label instructions to be sure the repellent is age-appropriate. 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 2 months old.
• Infants should be kept indoors or mosquito netting should be used over carriers when mosquitoes are present.
• If additional protection is necessary, apply a permethrin repellent directly to your clothing. Again, always follow the manufacturer's directions.

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 on what repellent to use, consider using the EPA search tool to help choose skin-applied repellent products.

DOH continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito borne illnesses, including West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, and dengue. Residents of Florida are encouraged to report dead birds via the web site for Surveillance of Wild-bird Die-offs. For more information, visit DOH’s web site.

Report mosquito problem to the local municipal mosquito control, or the Alachua County Health Department at 352-334-7930.

For more information, contact Anthony Dennis at 352-334-7930.​