news desk Laugh
The Florida Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk) on Monday advised residents that there has been an increase in mosquito-borne disease activity in areas of Polk County. Two horses were tested positive for oriental equine encephalitis (EEE) virus infection. Increased risk of transmission to humans. Polk County Mosquito Control and DOH-Polk continue their surveillance and prevention efforts.
Image/David Ben Bennick
DOH-Polk reminds residents and visitors to avoid exposure to mosquito bites and to take basic precautions to help limit exposure.
To protect yourself from mosquitoes, you must remember to “drain and cover”:
Drain standing water to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, children’s toys,
Flower pots, or any other containers in which sprinklers or rainwater will collect.
• Get rid of old tires, barrels, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances, etc
Items that are not being used.
• Empty and clean birdbaths and pet water bowls at least once or twice a week.
• Protect boats and vehicles from the rain by using fabrics that do not accumulate water.
• Maintaining swimming pools in good condition and properly treated with chlorine. Empty
Plastic swimming pools when not in use.
Covering the skin with clothing or insect repellent.
• Clothing – wearing shoes, socks, 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 to bare skin and clothing.
• Always use insect repellent according to the label. insect repellent with DEET,
Picaridin, Lemon Eucalyptus Oil, Para-Menthan-Diol, 2-Undecane, and
IR3535 effective.
• Use a mosquito net to protect babies under two months of age.
Tips on using insect repellents
• Always read the label directions carefully for approved use before applying a
Chase. Some repellents are not suitable for children.
• Products containing concentrations of up to 30 percent DEET (N,N-diethyl-mtoluamide) are generally recommended. Other American Environmentalists
The agency-approved repellent contains picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil, and paratha
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 clothing, but not under clothing.
• To protect children, read the label instructions to make sure the repellent is age-appropriate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
Mosquito repellents that contain lemon oil, eucalyptus, or para-menthan-diol
Not to be used by children under 3 years of age. DEET is not
Recommended for babies under 2 months of age.
• Avoid putting insect repellent on children’s hands. Adults should use insect repellent
First on their hands and then they transfer it to the child’s skin and clothing.
• If additional protection is needed, apply a permethrin repellent directly to your device
clothes. Again, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Cover doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
• Repair broken blinds on windows, doors, balconies and patios.
