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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
The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
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Full Story on FloridaHealth.govWhooping Cough
Whooping cough can cause serious illness in people of all ages but is most dangerous for infants.
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a very contagious respiratory illness caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. The bacteria attach to the cilia (tiny, hair-like extensions) that line part of the upper respiratory system and release toxins that can damage the cilia and cause airways to swell. The disease is only found in humans.
Two kinds of vaccines used in the U.S. help protect against whooping cough, both of which also provide protection against other diseases. Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) and the tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) are given at a variety of life stages, however immunity can weaken over time. Talk to your health care provider about what immunizations are most appropriate for you. Individuals that receive the vaccine may still contract whooping cough, however the infection is generally milder.
Symptoms
Symptoms of whooping cough usually develop within 5 to 10 days after you come into contact with the bacteria. Sometimes symptoms can take as long as three weeks to develop. Early symptoms can last for one to three weeks and usually include: · Runny nose or congestion · Low-grade fever (less than 100.4° F) • Adults: Mild, occasional cough • Babies and young children: Apnea (life-threatening pauses in breathing) and cyanosis (turning blue or purple) One to two weeks after the first symptoms start, people with whooping cough may develop rapid, violent, and uncontrolled coughing fits. These coughing fits usually last one to six weeks but can last for up to 10 weeks. Coughing fits generally worsen and become more common as the illness continues.
Transmission
The bacteria spreads easily from person to person through the air. When a person who has whooping cough sneezes or coughs, they can release small particles of bacteria. It also spreads when people spend a lot of time together or share breathing space, such as holding a newborn on your chest. Individuals can remain contagious for weeks. People can spread the bacteria from the start of the very first symptoms and for at least two weeks after coughing begins. Some people have mild symptoms and don't know they have whooping cough, but they can still spread the bacteria to others.
Treatment
Treating whooping cough early can make the illness less serious and help prevent spreading the bacteria to others. Health care practitioners generally treat whooping cough with antibiotics. There are several antibiotics available to treat whooping cough. Take the antibiotics exactly as prescribed by your health care practitioner. · Do not take cough medicines unless your doctor recommends them. · Keep your home free from irritants that can trigger coughing, such as smoke, dust, and chemical fumes. · Use a clean, cool mist humidifier to help loosen mucus and soothe the cough. · Eat small meals every few hours to help prevent vomiting. · Hydrate with water, juices, soups, and/or fruits to prevent dehydration. · Report signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination or wet diapers, to your health care practitioner immediately.
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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