FDOH Urges Floridians to Drain and Cover to Prevent Mosquito Bites
Contact:
Communications Office
NewsMedia@flhealth.gov
850-245-4111
Tallahassee, Fla. — In preparation for Hurricane Milton's impact, the Florida Department of Health (Department) emphasizes the importance of protecting yourself and your loved ones from mosquito bites. Following heavy rains and flooding, there is an increased risk of disease transmission from mosquitoes, especially in warm, humid conditions.
Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the risks associated with mosquito-borne illnesses. It is crucial for expectant mothers to take extra precautions following the storm. Avoid mosquito bites by following Drain and Cover practices and consult your health care provider for additional guidance and preventive measures.
To protect against mosquitoes, the Department urges the public 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 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:
- Clothing tips – If you must be outside when mosquitoes are active, cover up. Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long sleeves.
- Repellent tips – Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to their labels. Repellents with 10-30% DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 tend to be most effective.
- Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
For more information on preventing mosquito bites and mosquito-borne illnesses, please visit FloridaHealth.gov.
About the Florida Department of Health
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STORM PREPAREDNESS State Assistance Information Line 1-800-342-3557 • FloridaDisaster.org
VIBRIO VULNIFICUS
Following a storm, flood waters and standing waters pose health risks, including infectious diseases such as Vibrio vulnificus. It’s important to take precautions against infection and illness following any storm.
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that usually lives in warm, brackish sea water. These bacteria typically grow faster during warmer months and and flooding, may increase bacteria levels.
It is important to never wade in flood waters or standing water following a storm. People with open wounds, cuts, or scratches may be exposed to Vibrio vulnificus through direct contact with flood water, sea water, or brackish water. Vibrio vulnificus can also cause disease in those who eat raw or undercooked oysters and shellfish. Vibrio vulnificus is not spread person-to-person. Infections may be severe for people with weakened immune systems, especially people who have chronic liver disease or take medications that lowers the body’s ability to fight germs.
Vibrio vulnificus can invade the bloodstream, causing a severe life-threatening illness with symptoms such as fever, chills, decreased blood pressure (septic shock), and skin lesions. If you are experiencing of these symptoms, or wound infections, seek medical attention immediately.
Use the following tips to stay healthy and safe: • If you have open wounds, cuts, or scratches, stay out of flood water, standing water, sea water, and brackish water, if possible. If you’re exposed to these potential contaminants, wear protective gear to protect yourself from bacteria exposure. • Immediately clean and monitor wounds and cuts thoroughly with soap and clean running water or bottled water, after any contact with flood water, standing water, sea water, brackish water, or raw/undercooked seafood and its juices. • Cover your wounds with a waterproof bandage if it could come in contact with flood water, standing water, sea water, or brackish water. • Seek immediate medical care if a wound develops redness, swelling or oozing, or other signs of infection such as fever, increasing pain, shortness of breath, fast or high heart rate, confusion, or disorientation
Environmental Health
Now providing services at our Brooksville location for Environmental Public Health Monday through Wednesday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the window 2.
Septic permit applications and all regulated facility applications are accepted.
Bacterial Water Samples are to be dropped off by 9 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
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Did you know that the health department now offers school physicals?
You can make appointments for school physicals.
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