
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) in Alachua County issued a mosquito-borne illness advisory to residents on Wednesday after several sentinel chickens tested positive for West Nile virus infection.
In an Alachua County press release, the DOH-Alachua, Alachua County and local municipal mosquito control departments are coordinating surveillance and prevention efforts by monitoring larviciding breeding sites, and adulticiding certain areas within the county.
DOH-Alachua reminds residents to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by taking the following precautions:
- Always read label directions carefully for the approved usage before you apply a repellent.
- Apply insect repellent to exposed skin or clothing, but not under clothing.
- Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Do not apply permethrin directly to skin.
- Some repellents are not suitable for children. Ensure repellent is safe for children and age-appropriate.
- Around buildings at least once a week: Empty or cover anything that could hold water, such as buckets, toys, child pools and pool covers, birdbaths, trash containers and recycling bins, roof gutters, boat or car covers, pet dishes and tires.
- Repair holes in window screens and keep exterior doors and windows closed.
DOH will continue to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, chikungunya, and dengue. Residents of Florida are encouraged to report dead birds to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s site.
For more information, visit the department’s website or call 352-334-7900.