[ad_1]
SARASOTA, FL – The Florida Department of Health advises residents of an increase in mosquito-borne disease activity after mosquito pools trapped in Sarasota County have been tested positive for West Nile virus
Mosquito pools tested positive for the virus were collected in unincorporated areas of Sarasota County, near Venice, an area that the county's Mosquito Management Services from Sarasota have already treated
. time in 2018 that the virus has been detected in the region. Fortunately, no human cases of West Nile have been reported in the county at this time.
West Nile virus affects the central nervous system and can cause serious illness. However, about 80% of those infected with the virus will have no symptoms.
To protect yourself from mosquitoes, you must remember to "Drain and Cover":
DRAIN stagnant water to prevent mosquitoes from multiplying.
- Evacuate water from garbage cans, gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots or any other container salvaged by rainwater or water. Rainwater
- pots, broken appliances and other items that are not used
- Empty and clean bird baths and pet water tanks at least once or twice per week.
- Protecting boats and vehicles from rain with tarpaulins that do not accumulate water
- Maintain pools in good condition and properly chlorinated. Empty plastic pools when they are not used.
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 have to work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
- Repellent – Apply mosquito repellent to skin and clothing.
- Always use repellents according to the label. DEET, picaridine, lemon eucalyptus oil, para-menthane-diol and IR3535 repellents are effective
- Use mosquito nets to protect children under the age of 2 months
Repellent Usage Tips
- Always read the label instructions carefully for the approved use before applying a 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 US Environmental Protection Agency contain picaridine, lemon eucalyptus oil, para-menthane-diol or IR3535. These products are usually available at local pharmacies. Look for the active ingredients 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 that the insect repellent is suitable for their age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mosquito repellents containing eucalyptus lemon oil should not be used on children under three years of age. DEET is not recommended for children under two months old.
- Avoid applying repellents on children's hands. Adults should first apply the repellent on their own hands and then transfer it to the skin and clothing of the child.
- If additional protection is needed, apply a permethrin 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
- Repairing broken mosquito nets on windows, doors, porches and patios. For general questions about West Nile virus, please contact our Department of Epidemiology at (941) 861-2873.
[ad_2]
Source link
