LIVE OAK, Fla. (WTXL) - Florida health officials are concerned that more residents could fall ill after a human case of West Nile virus was confirmed in Suwannee County.
On Wednesday, the Florida Department of Health in Suwannee County (DOH-Suwannee) says there has been an increase in mosquito-borne disease activity in areas of Suwannee County.
They say a human case of West Nile illness has been confirmed in the area, creating heightened concern that more residents will become ill. The DOH did not confirm where that case was in the county.
Based on the concern, officials are issuing a mosquito-borne illness advisory to the public. They are reminding residents and visitors 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,
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 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, and 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, and IR3535 are
effective. - Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
Tips on Repellent Use
- Always read label directions carefully for the approved usage before you apply a
repellent. Some repellents are not suitable for children. - Products with concentrations of up to 30 percent DEET (N, N-diethyl-mtoluamide) are generally recommended. Other U.S. Environmental Protection
- Agency-approved repellents contain picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, paramenthane-diol, 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.
- In protecting children, read label instructions to be sure the repellent is age appropriate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on
children under the age of three years. DEET is not recommended on children
younger than two months old. - Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children. Adults should apply repellent
first to their own hands and then transfer it to the child’s skin and clothing. - 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 of your house.
- Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios.
For more information, visit DOH’s website or contact your county health department. For more information on what repellent is right for you, use the Environmental Protection Agency’s search tool to help you choose skin-applied
repellent products.
