Florida Department of Health Nassau Urges Residents to Protect Themselves from Mosquito and Tick Borne Illnesses

Fernandina Beach, Fla.— The Florida Department of Health in Nassau County (DOHNassau) is urging all residents and visitors, especially those that are spending time outdoors, to protect themselves from mosquito bites this summer season. While most mosquito bites are only an annoyance, sometimes these bites can be dangerous. Preventing bites reduces the risk of a person getting infected with a mosquito-borne disease.

Mosquito Bite Prevention
Using the right insect repellent and other preventive actions can discourage mosquitoes from landing on you. Follow these Drain and Cover tips to help prevent mosquito bites.

Drain water from outside areas to reduce the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed.

• Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected.
• Discard old tires, bottles, pots, broken appliances and other items not being used.
• Empty and clean birdbaths and pets’ water bowls at least twice a week
• Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that do not accumulate water.
• Maintain swimming pools in good condition and chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

Download these infographics for more information: Mosquitoes- Keep Them Outside and Stop Them From Breeding and Protect Your Home From Mosquitoes.

Cover with protective clothing while outdoors and keep doors and windows closed to prevent mosquitoes from going indoors.

• Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves while outside when and where mosquitoes are most prevalent to discourage mosquitoes from biting.
• Apply insect repellent that contains DEET (10-30%), picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone or IR3535.
• Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5%. Do not apply permethrin directly to skin. Some sports clothing and gear come pretreated with permethrin.
• Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
• Check and repair screens on doors and windows. Keep them closed and use air conditioning when possible.
• Make sure window screens are in good repair to reduce the chance of mosquitoes indoors.

Download the Mosquito Bite Protection in Florida infographic.

About the Florida Department of Health
​The Florida Department of Health, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

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