The State of Florida has seen it's share of unusual amounts of rainfall lately! Just received this email from our local Emergency Management Office identifying a threat of mosquito borne illnesses and outlining some steps you can take around the house to help reduce the risks.
Subject: DOH Release: FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ADVISES RESIDENTS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TO PREVENT MOSQUITO-BORNE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: DOH Communications August 9, 2013 (850) 245-4111 FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ADVISES RESIDENTS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TO PREVENT MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESSES TALLAHASSEE- Due to the heavy rainfall and isolated flooding throughout the state this summer, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) emphasizes the importance of residents and visitors protecting themselves against mosquito-borne diseases. To prevent mosquitoes from living and multiplying around your home or business, individuals should remember to drain and cover. DRAIN standing water: * Drain water from garbage cans, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater 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 pets’ 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 your skin with: * Clothing - If you must be outside when mosquitoes are active, cover up. Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves. * Repellent - Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with 10-30 percent DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are effective. * Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old. COVER doors and windows with screens: * Keep mosquitoes out of your house. Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches and patios. Symptoms of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses may include headache, fever, fatigue, dizziness, and confusion. For information on mosquito-borne illnesses, visit our Environmental Health website http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Environment/medicine/arboviral/info_links_general.htm or call your local county health department. Read Healthy Florida Summer Series: Winning the Battle Against Mosquitoes This Summer- Five Simple Tips<http://newsroom.doh.state.fl.us/2013/04/26/4875/>. DOH protects, promotes and improves the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For news story ideas, interviews, videos and more from DOH Communications visit the DOH Online Newsroom- http://newsroom.doh.state.fl.us/. ###
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