OncologyReduce Exposure To Mosquitoes This Summer
The Escambia County Health Department established a mosquito control program in 2008 that
includes surveillance activities such as mosquito trapping and identification and sentinel chicken
testing surveillance. These activities monitor for mosquito-borne diseases and keep track of
mosquito populations.
Serum samples taken each week from six sentinel chicken flocks are tested for the presence of
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus, West Nile virus (WNV) and St. Louis Encephalitis
(SLE) virus. The Escambia County Health Department also provides free larvicide to the public
for application in low-lying areas that retain water, ornamental ponds, and other areas of poorly
draining shallow water.
"Summer will soon be in full swing and people will be enjoying the great outdoors, and in our fun
we sometimes overlook the need to reduce our exposure to mosquitoes," said Steve Mitchell,
environmental supervisor. "Keep your mosquito repellent handy and limit your outdoor time
during the peak mosquito feeding of early morning and late afternoon."
Mosquitoes that can spread EEE, WNVand SLE are commonly found in urban, suburban and
rural communities. They breed in a matter of a few days in storm drains, ditches, waste lagoons
and in artificial containers around the home and are not limited to swamp areas. Anything that
holds water for more than three days can be raising mosquitoes.
Now is the time to clean up around your home to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Although all
mosquitoes cannot be eliminated, our families" exposure can be limited.
1. Dispose of all rubbish such as cans, bottles and anything that will hold water.
2. Turn over items stored outside such as wheelbarrows, children"s wading pools, and
buckets.
3. Keep hedges and grass trimmed and to a minimum because mosquitoes use these
shady places to hide during the heat of the day.
In order to have a safer and more enjoyable summer, reduce mosquito breeding areas, use
larvicide on problem areas, reduce your exposure during peak mosquito activity times, and use
mosquito repellents.
Alabama Department of Public Health