10/23/2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Charles Griggs
October 22, 2014 904-253-1004
HEALTH OFFICIALS ISSUE MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESSES ALERT
~Human Case of St. Louis Encephalitis Infection Confirmed~
Jacksonville, FL- The Florida Department of Health in Duval County (DOH-Duval) today issued a mosquito-borne illness alert for Duval County. A human case of St. Louis Encephalitis has been confirmed and there is a heightened concern additional residents will become ill. This is the first reported case of St. Louis Encephalitis in Florida since 2003. Symptoms are similar to those for West Nile Virus infection including fever, headache, fatigue, dizziness, weakness, and confusion. Most people have no symptoms.
DOH-Duval continues to advise the public to remain diligent in their personal mosquito protection efforts by remembering 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, 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-approved repellents contain picaridin,
oil of lemon eucalyptus, 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 on what repellent is right for you, consider using the Environmental Protection
Agency's search tool to help you choose skin-applied repellent products:
