FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN PASCO COUNTY AND MOSQUITO CONTROL RALLY SUPPORT TO INCREASE AWARENESS OF MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESS 

Pasco County — The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) emphasizes the importance of protecting against mosquito-borne illness and taking steps to “Drain and Cover”. Partners across the county are helping get the word out.

“DOH- Pasco works closely with our partner agencies to monitor for the presence of illnesses carried by mosquitoes and to educate on prevention.” said County Health Officer, Mike Napier. “We have partnered with Mosquito Control to distribute posters across the county on steps to protect you.”

Dennis Moore with Pasco County Mosquito Control District reminds our “residents to empty, remove or cover any containers that will allow mosquitoes to develop.”

DOH-Pasco advises the public to remain diligent in protecting themselves from mosquito bites 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.
• Â REPELLENT - Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.
  • Â Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET(N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective.
  • Â Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

Tips on Repellent Use

• Â 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 are generally recommended. Other US 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 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.
If you would like a Drain and Cover poster (size 8 ½ in by 14 in) please contact DOH-Pasco at 727-861-5250 ext. 162 or e-mail Deanna.Krautner@flhealth.gov.
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:
http://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 and Dengue.
Residents of Florida are encouraged to report dead birds via the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission’s site - http://www.myfwc.com/bird/. For more information, visit the Department’s website
at https://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/mosquito-borne-diseases/index.html or call your local county health department.