Florida Department of Health Issues Mosquito-Borne Disease Advisory Statewide
The Florida Department of Health has issued a statewide advisory on mosquito-borne illnesses after four confirmed cases of malaria in Sarasota County. Floridians should practice using insect repellent, avoiding mosquito-infested areas, and wearing long pants and shirts when possible. Health officials said air and ground mosquito repellent sprays continued in areas of high mosquito activity, and the ministry urged the public not to forget to “drain and cover” and protect their personal belongings. Advise to continue mosquito control efforts. Drain water from trash cans, house gutters, buckets, pool lids, coolers, toys, flowerpots, or sprinklers or other containers that collect rainwater. Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items. Empty and clean bird baths and pet water bowls at least once or twice a week. Protect your boat or vehicle from the rain with a tarp that won’t hold water. Maintain your swimming pool with proper chlorination. Empty the plastic pool when not in use. Repair broken screens on windows, doors, porches and patios. Clothing – Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for those who have to work in areas with mosquitoes. Repellent – Apply mosquito repellent properly. Steve Harrison, manager of Orange County’s Mosquito Control Division, says he’s following two concerns right now. Under two recommendations for mosquito-borne diseases. One is Eastern equine encephalitis and the other is malaria,” said Jay Williams of the Florida Department of Health. The good news is that malaria cases in South Florida are not contagious. “Malaria is not transmitted from person to person. It takes a really special way of transmission, especially through mosquitoes,” he said.Headlines: Former NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett drowns on Florida beach ‘World’s largest’ Buc-ee’s store opens Monday National Hurricane Center tracks two systems in Atlantic Ocean
The Florida Department of Health has issued a statewide advisory on mosquito-borne illnesses after four confirmed cases of malaria in Sarasota County.
Floridians should practice using bug spray, avoiding mosquito-infested areas, and wearing long pants and shirts if possible.
Health officials said air and ground mosquito repellent sprays continued in areas of high mosquito activity.
The health department is advising the public to remain diligent about personal mosquito control, remembering to “drain and cover”.
- Drain water from trash cans, house gutters, buckets, pool lids, coolers, toys, flower pots, or sprinklers or other containers that collect rainwater.
- Dispose of old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots, pans, broken appliances, and other unused items.
- Empty and clean bird baths and pet water bowls at least once or twice a week.
- Protect your boat or vehicle from the rain with a tarp that won’t hold water.
- Maintain your swimming pool with proper chlorine disinfection. Empty the plastic pool when not in use.
- Repair broken screens on windows, doors, porches and patios.
- Clothing – Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who have to work where mosquitoes are present.
- Repellents – Apply mosquito repellents appropriately.
Steve Harrison, manager of Orange County’s Mosquito Control Division, says he’s following two concerns right now.
“We have received two recommendations for mosquito-borne diseases, one for Eastern equine encephalitis and one for malaria,” he said.
The good news is that South Florida’s malaria cases are not contagious, said Jay Williams of the Florida Department of Health.
“Malaria is not transmitted from person to person. It takes very specific methods to actually get it, especially through mosquitoes,” he says.
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