Mosquito Activity Prompts Lake County Advisory

The rains that are giving much of central Florida a regular drenching are making conditions ripe for mosquito breeding.

They have also prompted an advisory in at least one Central Florida county.

The Florida Department of Health in Lake County has advised residents there has been an increase in mosquito-borne disease activity in that county. 

Officials say two horses have tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis in Lake County. 

The health department in Lake County says the risk of transmission to humans has, therefore,  increased. 

While the county health department says it will continue surveillance and prevention efforts, officials are asking residents to take precautions of their own.

Officials are reminding residents and visitors to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to take basic steps to help limit exposure. 

Health authorities say the "drain and cover" safety routines are the best.

Drain any potential source of standing water in the front, back, and side yards. 

Officials say even a cup of standing water is enough to provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

If you have a swimming pool, keep it in good condition and properly chlorinated.

Health authorities also advise people to cover exposed skin either with clothing or mosquito repellent.

If using repellent, make sure it contains  DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or IR3535.

Officials say those repellents are considered effective.

Another sound defense is to stay indoors in the hours after dusk and before dawn. 

Those are the times when mosquitoes are most active.


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