PASCO COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) – The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County says there’s been an increase in mosquito-borne disease activity specifically, eastern equine encephalitis.
The virus has been found in several sentinel chickens. As a result, the risk of transmission to humans has increased.
Residents are reminded to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to take basic precautions to help limit exposure.
To protect yourself from mosquitoes, you should remember to Drain and Cover:
DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying
- Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, 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 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 swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated
- Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use
COVER skin with clothing or repellent.
- Clothing – Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
- Repellent – Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.
- 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 mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
