June 26, 2023 – The Florida Department of Health in Walton County (DOH-
Walton) today advised residents there has been an increase in mosquito-borne disease
activity in areas of Walton County.
Several sentinel chickens have tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis Virus
infection. The risk of transmission to humans has increased. South Walton County
Mosquito Control, North Walton Mosquito Control and (DOH-Walton) continue
surveillance and prevention efforts.
DOH-Walton reminds residents and visitors to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to
take basic precautions to help limit exposure.
To protect yourself from mosquitoes, you should remember to “Drain and Cover:”
DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.
• Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys,
flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.
• Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other
items that aren’t being used.
• Empty and clean birdbaths and pet’s water bowls at least once or twice a week.
• Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
• Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty
plastic swimming pools when not in use.
COVER skin with clothing or repellent.
• Clothing – Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long-sleeves. This type of
protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where
mosquitoes are present.
• Repellent – Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.
• Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET,
picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone and
IR3535 are effective.
• Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
Tips on Repellent Use
• Always read label directions carefully for the approved usage before you apply a
repellent. Some repellents are not suitable for children.
• Products with concentrations of up to 30 percent DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-
toluamide) are generally recommended. Other U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency-approved repellents contain picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-
menthane-diol, 2-undecanone or IR3535. These products are generally available
at local pharmacies. Look for active ingredients to be listed on the product label.
• Apply insect repellent to exposed skin, or onto clothing, but not under clothing.
• In protecting children, read label instructions to be sure the repellent is age-
appropriate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol
should not be used on children under the age of three years. DEET is not
recommended on children younger than two months old.
• Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children. Adults should apply repellent
first to their own hands and then transfer it to the child’s skin and clothing.
• If additional protection is necessary, apply a permethrin repellent directly to your
clothing. Again, always follow the manufacturer’s directions.
COVER doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house.
• Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios.
For more information on what repellent is right for you, consider using the
Environmental Protection Agency’s search tool to help you choose skin-applied
repellent products:
http://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect/#searchform.
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 via the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s site –
https://app.myfwc.com/FWRI/AvianMortality/. For more information, visit DOH’s website
at www.floridahealth.gov/%5C/diseases-and-conditions/mosquito-borne-diseases/index.html or contact your county health department.
About the Florida Department of Health
The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in
Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the
Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.