Health Officials Urge Mosquito-Borne Illnesses awareness

(Monroe County, Fla)—The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County (DOH- Monroe) and the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District (FKMCD) urge residents to drain and cover all forms of standing water regularly to prevent mosquitos from breeding and to apply a reputable mosquito repellant when outdoors.

“While there is currently no active, ongoing transmission of mosquito-borne illness in Monroe County, there is an increase in mosquito-borne infections on the mainland. It is, therefore, important to prevent future mosquito-borne illness outbreaks in Monroe County and take simple precautions to protect yourself, your neighbors, and your family from such illnesses,” says Alison Jean, RN and Epidemiologist for the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County. “Now is the time to check your home and business for anything that collects water and drain it out after it rains. Check these areas frequently.”

According to Andrea Leal, Executive Director of FKMCD, “Florida Keys mosquito populations are predictably high this time of year thanks to the warm temperature and frequent downpours.

Residents can provide their own best, frontline defense by dumping standing water and covering any water holding containers to prevent mosquito breeding sites before they become a potential health hazard due to mosquito-borne disease.”

The public is urged to take the following, basic precautions to help minimize the threat of mosquito bites:

  • Make sure windows and window screens are secure and free from holes.
  • Use air conditioning whenever
  • Keep the area around your residence free from containers that collect
  • Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves and long
  • Flush out bromeliads and croton plants on a regular
  • Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has
  • 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 twice a
  • Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate
  • Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
  • Use reputable insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para- menthane-diol, 2-undecanone, or IR3535.

The Florida Keys Mosquito Control District reminds you that their inspectors are available and ready to help rid your property of existing mosquitoes as well as assist you with mosquito prevention assistance during the rainy season ahead. Please call them at 305-292-7190 or go to www.keysmosquito.org to make a service request.

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