On June 26, 2023 the Florida Department of Health (Department) issued a statewide mosquito-borne illness advisory following four confirmed and recovered local cases of malaria in Sarasota County.
Remember to "Drain and Cover"
Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, 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 and keep appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
COVER doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house
Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios.
COVER skin with clothing or appropriate 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.
Repellent - Apply mosquito repellent appropriately.
Always use repellents 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 old.
Tips on Repellent Use
Always read label directions carefully for the approved usage before you apply a repellent.
Apply insect repellent to exposed skin or clothing, but not under clothing.
Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Do not apply permethrin directly to skin.
Ensure repellent is safe for children and age appropriate:
Mosquito repellents containing lemon eucalyptus oil or para-menthane-diol 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.
Parents should apply repellent to their hands first and then transfer it to the child’s skin and clothing.
The full press release can be found here:
