Collier County, Fla.-The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) today advised residents that there has been an increase in mosquito-borne disease activity in areas of Collier County. A human case of locally acquired dengue fever has been confirmed and there is increased concern that other residents will become ill.
The risk of transmission to humans has increased. Collier County Mosquito Control and DOH-Collier continue surveillance and prevention efforts.
DOH-Collier reminds residents and visitors to avoid mosquito bites and take basic precautions to help limit exposure.
To protect yourself from mosquitoes, you must remember “Drain and cover”:
DRAINAGE standing water to stop mosquito breeding.
- Drain it water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other container where splash water or rain has collected.
- Take old tires, batteries, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other unused items.
- empty and clean birdbaths and pet water bowls at least once or twice a week.
- protect boats and vehicles from the rain with tarps that do not collect water.
- Save swimming pool in good condition and with proper chlorine. Empty plastic 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.
- repellents – Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.
- Always use repellent according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone and IR3535 are effective.
- Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months.
Tips for using repellent
- Always read label directions carefully for approved use before applying 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 repellents approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency contain picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone, or IR3535. These products are generally available at local pharmacies. Look for the active ingredients to be listed on the product label.
- Apply insect repellent to exposed skin, or over clothing, but not under clothing.
- When protecting children, read the label directions to make sure the repellent is age-appropriate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol should not be used on children under the age of three. DEET is not recommended for children younger than two months.
- Avoid applying repellents to children’s hands. Adults should apply repellent first to their hands and then transfer it to the child’s skin and clothing.
- If additional protection is needed, apply a permethrin repellent directly to your clothing. Again, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
dill screened doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
- Repair broken screens on windows, doors, porches and patios.
For more information on which repellent is right for you, consider using the Environmental Protection Agency’s search tool to help you choose repellent products applied to the skin: http://cfpub.epa.gov/ oppref/insect/#searchform.
The department continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile virus infections, eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis, malaria, chikungunya and dengue. Floridians are encouraged to report dead birds through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website – https://app.myfwc.com/FWRI/AvianMortality/. For more information, visit the DOH website at www.floridahealth.gov/%5C/diseases-and-conditions/mosquito-borne-diseases/index.html or contact your county health department.
About the Florida Department of Health in Collier County
The Florida Department of Health in Collier County, nationally accredited as part of an Integrated Local Public Health Department System by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. .
Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyCollier . For more information, please visit collier.floridahealth.gov/.
About the Florida Department of Health
The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter at @HealthyFla . For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.