HEALTH OFFICERS ISSUE MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASE ALERT ~ ADDITIONAL HUMAN CASE OF WEST NILE VIRUS INFECTION CONFIRMED ~
Media contact:
Wendi Jackson, Public Information Specialist
[email protected]
Volusia County, Florida. – The Florida Department of Health of Volusia County (DOH-Volusia) today issued a mosquito-borne disease alert for Volusia County. Human cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed and there are growing concerns that other residents may fall ill.
DOH-Volusia continues to advise the public to remain diligent in their personal mosquito protection efforts by remembering “Drain and cover.
DRAIN stagnant water to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
- Drain water from garbage cans, gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other container where rain or sprinkler water has collected.
- To throw old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that are not in use.
- empty and clean birdbaths and pet water bowls at least once or twice a week.
- Protect boats and vehicles from the rain with covers that do not accumulate water.
- Maintain swimming pools in good condition and suitably chlorinated. Empty plastic pools when not in use.
COVER skin with clothing or repellent.
- Clothes – Wear shoes, socks and long pants and long sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who have to work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
- Repulsive – Apply insect repellent to bare skin and clothing.
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- Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone and IR3535 are effective.
- Use a mosquito net to protect children under 2 months.
Advice on the use of repellents
- Always carefully read the instructions on the label for approved use before applying any repellent. Some repellents are not suitable for children.
- Products containing up to 30% DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) are generally recommended. Other repellents approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency contain picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone, or IR3535. These products are usually available at local pharmacies. Look for active ingredients to list on the product label.
- Apply insect repellent to exposed skin or clothing, but not under clothing.
- To protect children, read the instructions on the label to make sure the repellent is age-appropriate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mosquito repellent products containing lemon eucalyptus oil or para-menthane-diol should not be used on children under three years of age. DEET is not recommended for children under two months of age.
- Avoid applying repellents to children’s hands. Adults should first apply the repellent to their own hands, then transfer it to the child’s skin and clothes.
- If additional protection is needed, apply a permethrin-based repellent directly to your clothing. Again, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
COVER doors and windows with mosquito nets to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
- Repair broken screens on windows, doors, porches and patios.
For more information on which repellent to choose, consider using the Environmental Protection Agency’s search tool to help you choose repellent products applied to the skin.
The Florida Department of Health continues to monitor statewide mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile virus, eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria and dengue. For more information on mosquito-borne diseases, visit the Florida Department of Health online or call the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County, (386) 274-0694.