Health officials issue mosquito-borne illness advisory
The Florida Department of Health in Lee County (DOH-Lee) today advised residents there has been an increase in mosquito-borne disease activity in areas of Lee County.
Several sentinel chicken flocks have tested positive for West Nile virus infection. No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Lee County at this time. However, the risk of transmission to humans has increased. West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Lee County Mosquito Control and DOH-Lee continue surveillance and prevention efforts.
Most people infected with West Nile virus do not feel sick. About 20 percent of people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms such as headache, pain and fatigue. People with mild illness typically recover within a week. Less than one percent of infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal illness. Symptoms typically appear between two and 14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. People over the age of 60 and individuals with weakened immune systems are at an increased risk for severe disease.
DOH-Lee reminds 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 pets’ 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, 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-m-toluamide) are generally recommended. Other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved repellents contain picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-methane-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 underclothing.
- 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 on what repellent is right for you, consider using the EPA’s search tool to help you choose skin-applied repellent products: cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect/#searchform.
The Department continues 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 via the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s site – http://legacy.myfwc.com/bird/default.asp. For more information, visit DOH’s website at floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/mosquito-borne-diseases/index.html or contact your county health department.
Written by Florida Health/Lee County Public Information
Officer Tammy Yzaguirre, Fort Myers office
