FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                Contact: Olga Connor

December 19, 2014                                                                              Rosa Oses-Prealoni

Mosquito-borne disease Alert LIFTED FOR Miami-Dade COUNTY

Miami - The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County today announced an end to the dengue fever alert that was initiated in August, following confirmed local transmission of the mosquito-borne disease.

The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County and Miami-Dade Mosquito Control continue their surveillance and prevention efforts.  With the reduction in mosquito breeding and cooler temperatures in the Miami-Dade County area, there is now a lower risk of exposure to mosquito-borne diseases. However, it is important for all residents to continue to take precautions including draining containers of standing water around their homes and using repellent when outdoors.

The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County encourages everyone to remain diligent in their personal mosquito protection efforts by following the recommendations below. 

DRAINstanding 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 pets’ 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.

COVERskin 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, and IR3535 are effective. 
  • Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

COVERdoors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house

• Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios.

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 US Environmental Protection Agency-approved repellents contain Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, 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 CDC, mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus 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.

For more information please visit our website at www.dadehealth.org or contact the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County at 305-324-2400.

The Department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. During 2014, the Department is recognizing 125 years of public health in Florida with educational opportunities and events. Please visit www.FLHealth125.gov for more information.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook.  For additional information about the Florida Department of Health, visit www.floridahealth.gov.