JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Duval County (DOH-Duval) is advising residents that there has been an increase in mosquito-borne disease activity in areas of Duval County.
Several sentinel chickens have tested positive for West Nile virus infection.
Recommended Videos
DOH-Duval and Jacksonville Mosquito Control are coordinating surveillance and prevention efforts.
DOH-Duval reminds the community to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by taking these basic precautions:
- Repellent: Read label directions carefully and apply to exposed skin or clothing.
- Clothes: Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
- Breeding: Mosquitoes can breed in as little as one teaspoon or bottle cap of standing water. At least once a week empty or cover anything that could hold water (buckets, toys, pet dishes, tires, roof gutters, etc.)
- Outside: Keep mosquitoes outside by using air conditioning and keeping screens on all your windows.
The Department continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, chikungunya, and dengue.
Residents of Florida are encouraged to report dead birds to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s site.
For more information, visit the Department’s website or contact DOH-Duval by calling 904-253-1850.