Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Residents Urged to Protect Themselves Against Mosquitoes

Media Release

June 29, 2010

Residents Urged to Protect Themselves Against Mosquitoes
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
June 29, 2010

Eastern Equine Encephalitis Cases in Neighboring Counties

Mosquito Control Director Dr. Guangye Hu wants Hernando County residents to know that two horses - in Pasco and Hillsborough counties - have been reported euthanized in June as a result of contracting Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Two horses in Central Florida (Osceola County) were also reported to have the disease. So far, this year, 16 horses have been confirmed with EEE in Florida. Transmitted by mosquitoes, EEE causes 90% mortality of horses and 50% of humans.

On June 18th, Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson urged horse owners to check with their veterinarian to make sure their animals have received current vaccinations and booster shots against EEE and West Nile Virus.

In 2009, there was an outbreak of Dengue Fever in the Florida Keys, and there have been nine locally-acquired cases this year. Dengue returned to Florida after over 50 years and is transmitted by container-bred mosquitoes around residential homes.

Dr. Hu stated, "It is very important that our residents protect themselves against mosquitoes by wearing long-sleeve shirts and pants and applying mosquito repellents while going out - especially during the evening hours. Residents should check their own property for mosquito-breeding habitats, dump all containers that hold water and flush bromeliads and bird baths weekly." If mosquitoes continue to be a problem after taking these actions, residents are encouraged to call the Mosquito Control Division at (352) 540-6554 to request mosquito control services.

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