OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County is urging residents and visitors to take simple precautions against mosquito bites as health officials continue monitoring mosquito-borne illnesses throughout the state.
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The department is encouraging the public to protect themselves from diseases spread by mosquitoes, including West Nile virus disease.
State health officials continue surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, chikungunya and dengue.
Residents are also encouraged to report dead birds to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which helps health officials monitor for mosquito-borne diseases.
According to the Florida Department of Health, people can reduce their risk by using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing when outdoors, eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed and keeping mosquitoes out of their homes by repairing window screens and keeping doors and windows closed.
The department notes that mosquitoes can breed in as little as a teaspoon of standing water left for more than a week.
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The department also recommends applying insect repellent according to label directions, treating clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin, and ensuring repellents used on children are age-appropriate.
For more information about mosquito prevention, visit: https://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/mosquito-borne-diseases/
Residents may also contact the DOH-Okaloosa Epidemiology Section at 850-833-9065.
