The Florida Department of Health has issued a mosquito-borne illness advisory after several sentinel chickens tested positive for West Nile virus infection in Alachua County. The DOH-Alachua is coordinating surveillance and prevention efforts by monitoring larviciding breeding sites and adulticiding certain areas within the county.
Residents are advised to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, including reading label directions carefully before applying repellents, treating clothing with permethrin, and removing standing water around buildings at least once a week. The department also recommends repairing window screens, keeping exterior doors and windows closed, and ensuring repellents are safe for children.
The DOH will continue to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus infections and other diseases such as malaria, chikungunya, and dengue. Residents are encouraged to report dead birds to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s site. For more information, visit the department’s website or call 352-334-7900.
Source: https://www.mainstreetdailynews.com/health/alachua-county-mosquito-borne-illness-advisory