For Hometown News
West Nile Virus has been reported in some areas of the United States. A few human cases of West Nile infection and several positive sentinel chickens have been reported in North and West Florida. Currently, no human cases have been reported in Brevard County this year. Our Sentinel Chicken Flocks have tested negative for the West Nile Virus. Brevard County Health Department and Brevard County Mosquito Control are urging residents to protect themselves against mosquito-borne illness.
Stop mosquitoes from living and multiplying around your home or business. Protect yourself from mosquito's bites and the diseases they carry by following the below recommendations:
. DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.
. DRAIN water from garbage cans, house gutters, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water 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 pet's water bowls at least once or twice a week.
. PROTECT boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don't accumulate water.
. MAINTAIN the water balance (pool chemistry) of swimming pools. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
. COVER your skin with clothing and use mosquito repellent.
. CLOTHING: If you must be outside when mosquitoes are active, cover up. Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long sleeves
. REPELLENT: Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective. Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months.
. COVER doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out.
. KEEP MOSQUITOES OUT of your house. Repair broken screens on windows, doors, porches, and patios.
For more information, see the Center for Disease Control's guidelines at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile or call (321) 454-7111.