From: Brazell, Laura L
Sent: Friday, May 02, 2014 4:02 PM
To: Brazell, Laura L
Subject: DOH-Walton Press Release Importance: High
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Crystal Steele May 2, 2014 (850) 892-8021
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TO PREVENT MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESSES WALTON COUNTY
Due to recent heavy rainfall, the Florida Department of Health in Walton County (DOH-Walton) emphasizes the importance of Florida’s residents and visitors protecting themselves against mosquito-borne diseases. The public should remain diligent in preventative measures like “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 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 swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use. COVER your skin with: · 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 10-30 percent DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective. Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old. Tips on Repellent Use · 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,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) are generally recommended. Other US Environmental Protection Agency-approved repellents contain Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. These products are generally available at local pharmacies. Look for active ingredients to be listed on the product label. · Apply insect repellent to exposed skin, or onto clothing, but not under clothing. · In protecting children, read label instructions to be sure the repellent is age-appropriate. According to the CDC, mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under the age of three years. 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 skin and 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. To determine which repellent is right for you, consider using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s search tool for skin-applied repellent products: http://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect/#searchform. DOH continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, Malaria and Dengue. For more information on mosquito-borne illnesses, visit DOH’s Web site at http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/mosquito-borne-diseases/index.html or call your local county health department. Residents of Florida are encouraged to report dead birds via the website for Surveillance of Wild-bird Die-offs located at http://legacy.myfwc.com/bird/default.asp. Florida Emergency Information Line: 1-(800)-342-3557 Public Information Emergency Support Function: (850) 921-0384 The Department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.floridahealth.gov. ### Laura L. Brazell, R.N., BS HCA Registered Nursing Consultant (850) 892-8040, ext. 1163 Laura.Brazell@flhealth.gov Florida Department of Health in Walton County http://www.floridahealth.gov/chdwalton/ 362 State Hwy 83 DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433 Please Note: Florida has a very broad public records law. Most written communications to or from state officials regarding state business are public records available to the public and media upon request. Your email communication may therefore be subject to public disclosure. FDOH Mission: To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, & community efforts.
Sent: Friday, May 02, 2014 4:02 PM
To: Brazell, Laura L
Subject: DOH-Walton Press Release Importance: High
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Crystal Steele May 2, 2014 (850) 892-8021
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TO PREVENT MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESSES WALTON COUNTY
Due to recent heavy rainfall, the Florida Department of Health in Walton County (DOH-Walton) emphasizes the importance of Florida’s residents and visitors protecting themselves against mosquito-borne diseases. The public should remain diligent in preventative measures like “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 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 swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use. COVER your skin with: · 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 10-30 percent DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective. Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old. Tips on Repellent Use · 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,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) are generally recommended. Other US Environmental Protection Agency-approved repellents contain Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. These products are generally available at local pharmacies. Look for active ingredients to be listed on the product label. · Apply insect repellent to exposed skin, or onto clothing, but not under clothing. · In protecting children, read label instructions to be sure the repellent is age-appropriate. According to the CDC, mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under the age of three years. 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 skin and 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. To determine which repellent is right for you, consider using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s search tool for skin-applied repellent products: http://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect/#searchform. DOH continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, Malaria and Dengue. For more information on mosquito-borne illnesses, visit DOH’s Web site at http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/mosquito-borne-diseases/index.html or call your local county health department. Residents of Florida are encouraged to report dead birds via the website for Surveillance of Wild-bird Die-offs located at http://legacy.myfwc.com/bird/default.asp. Florida Emergency Information Line: 1-(800)-342-3557 Public Information Emergency Support Function: (850) 921-0384 The Department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.floridahealth.gov. ### Laura L. Brazell, R.N., BS HCA Registered Nursing Consultant (850) 892-8040, ext. 1163 Laura.Brazell@flhealth.gov Florida Department of Health in Walton County http://www.floridahealth.gov/chdwalton/ 362 State Hwy 83 DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433 Please Note: Florida has a very broad public records law. Most written communications to or from state officials regarding state business are public records available to the public and media upon request. Your email communication may therefore be subject to public disclosure. FDOH Mission: To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, & community efforts.