Florida County Issues Health Alert After EEE Kills Three Horses
Posted:
Source: Volusia County Health Department Press Release
DAYTONA BEACH - The Volusia County Health Department is advising
residents that Volusia County is currently under a Public Health
Advisory for mosquito-borne illness. Residents are urged to take
precautions against mosquito bites.
Since the beginning of the year, three horses have died from Eastern
equine encephalitis (EEE) virus including two during the first week of
April. The increased mosquito-borne disease activity in the area
suggests there is a potential public health threat.
No human cases of Eastern equine encephalitis are reported in Volusia County or in the state at this time.
“We continue to ask county residents and tourists to be mindful and
diligent regarding their personal mosquito protection efforts at this
time in Volusia County,” said Paul Minshew, environmental health
manager for the Volusia County Health Department. “It is important to
be aware of mosquito-borne illnesses, how to prevent them, and to act
accordingly.” Personal mosquito protection efforts should include the
“5 D’s” for prevention:
- Dusk and Dawn -- Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are seeking blood. For many species, this is during the dusk and dawn hours.
- Dress -- Wear clothing that covers most of your skin.
- DEET -- When the potential exists for exposure to mosquitoes, repellents containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, or N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) are recommended. Picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus are other repellent options.
- Drainage -- Check around your home to rid the area of standing water, which is where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.
The Department of Health continues to
conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito borne illnesses, including
West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis
encephalitis, malaria, and dengue.
For more information on mosquito-borne illnesses, visit DOH’s Environmental Health web site at http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/community/arboviral/index.html ,
call the West Nile Virus Hotline at 1-888-880-5782, or Volusia County
Health Department- Environmental Health at 386- 274-0694.
Source: Volusia County Health Department Press Release
