Health Alert
Mosquito-Borne Disease for Escambia County (Florida)

PENSACOLA – The Escambia County (Florida) Health Department is issuing a Health Alert due to increased mosquito activity and the risk of a mosquito-borne disease being transmitted to humans. Evidence of increasing West Nile virus transmission potentials has been detected by an on-going sentinel chicken surveillance program. Sentinel chickens are used as an early alert system for mosquito-borne diseases, providing time for the health department to advise residents and visitors to remain vigilant in protecting themselves from being bitten by mosquitoes.  There are currently no reported human cases of West Nile in Escambia County for 2007.

The Escambia County Health Department reminds residents and visitors to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes that may cause encephalitis disease including West Nile, Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis, and St. Louis Encephalitis.

Escambia Mosquito Control and the health department continue surveillance and prevention efforts and encourage everyone to take basic precautions to help limit exposure by following the department of health recommendations.

Residents and visitors should remain vigilant in their personal mosquito protection efforts and follow the 5 D’s and an S for prevention (also listed at www.EscambiaHealth.com):

Dusk and Dawn -- Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are seeking blood. For many species, this is during the dusk and dawn hours.

Dress -- Wear clothing that covers most of your skin.

DEET -- When the potential exists for exposure to mosquitoes, repellents containing DEET are recommended. Picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus are other repellent options.

Drainage -- Check around your home to rid the area of standing water, which is where mosquitoes can lay their eggs. Elimination of breeding sites is one of the keys to prevention.

Screens – Make sure window and door screens are in good condition.

Tips on Eliminating Mosquito Breeding Sites

• Clean out eaves, troughs and gutters.

• Remove old tires or drill holes in those used in playgrounds to drain.

• Turn over or remove empty plastic pots.

• Pick up all beverage containers and cups.

• Check tarps on boats or other equipment that may collect water.

• Pump out bilges on boats.

• Replace water in birdbaths and pet or other animal feeding dishes at least once a week.

• Change water in plant trays, including hanging plants, at least once a week.

• Remove vegetation or obstructions in drainage ditches that prevent the flow of water.

DOH continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile, Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis, and St. Louis Encephalitis. 
 

###