PENSACOLA, FL – The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County (DOH-Escambia) has issued a mosquito-borne illness advisory. The first case of West Nile virus (WNV) in Escambia County was confirmed in an adult male. This makes the fourth human case in Florida in 2015. 

“Residents and visitors should take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to limit exposure to mosquito-borne illnesses,” says DOH-Escambia Director, Dr. John J. Lanza.

The Escambia County, Florida Mosquito Control Division and DOH-Escambia continue surveillance and prevention efforts. There is heightened concern that other Escambia County residents and visitors may become ill from being bitten by an infected mosquito.

To protect yourself from mosquitos, you should remember to “Drain and Cover”: 

Drain standing water.

• 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, bottles, pots, broken appliances and other items not being used.
• Empty and clean birdbaths and pets’ water bowls at least twice a week.
• Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that do not accumulate water.
• Maintain swimming pools in good condition and chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

Cover skin with clothing or repellent and cover doors and windows.

• Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves when mosquitoes are most prevalent.
• 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.
• Re-apply mosquito repellent as often as needed to prevent mosquito landings and bites.
• Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
• When using repellent on children, apply to your hands first and then rub on their arms and legs.
• Place screens on windows, doors, porches, and patios. Always repair broken screens.