Mosquito-Borne Illnesses Increase Post Tropical Storm Eta

TAMPA BAY FL — Health departments across Tampa Bay are warning residents of the possible increase in mosquito borne illnesses post Tropical Storm Eta.

According to the West Central Florida county health departments, mosquitoes that can carry diseases such as West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and dengue rely on fresh water that Eta has brought to the region to reproduce.

Residents and businesses are reminded to take basic precautions to prevent mosquito bites and to limit mosquito reproduction.

The following tips from the Florida Health Department are offered:

• "Drain and Cover"— Drain standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying. Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water hascollected.
• 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 once or 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 skin with clothing or repellent. Clothing — wear shoes, socks, and 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 repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane—diol, 2—undecanone and IR3535 are effective.
• Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old. Always read label directions carefully for the approved usage before you apply a repellent. Some repellents are not suitable for children. Products with concentrations of up to 30 percent DEET (N,Ndiethyl-m-toluamide) are generally recommended. Other U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency-approved repellents contain picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone or IR3535. These products are generally available at local pharmacies. Look for active ingredients to belisted on the product label. Apply insect repellent to exposed skin, or onto clothing, but not under clothing.
• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus orpara-menthane-diol should not be used on children under the age of three. DEET is not recommended on children younger than two months old.
• Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children. Adults should apply repellent first to their own hands and then transfer it to the child's skinand clothing.
• If additional protection is necessary, apply a permethrin repellent directly to your clothing. Again, always follow the manufacturer's directions.
• Cover doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house. Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches and patios.

For more information on what repellent is right for you, consider using the Environmental Protection Agency's search tool to help you choose skin-applied repellent products: http://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect/#searchform.