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West Nile Virus detected in north Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco
Pinellas County Mosquito Control has seen increased transmission of mosquito-borne West Nile Virus through its sentinel chicken illness detection program and is urging residents to protect themselves and their loved ones from mosquitoes and prevent mosquito breeding.
Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County (DOH-Pinellas) has issued a Mosquito-Borne Illness Advisory due to the increased activity. West Nile Virus has been detected in sentinel chicken flocks throughout the state, including in Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties. In Pinellas County, positive tests have come from Oldsmar and east Tarpon Springs, initiating enhanced mosquito treatments such as additional truck fogging, aerial larviciding, and ground inspection for additional breeding locations.
Pinellas County Mosquito Control additionally works closely with the Florida Department of Health to monitor cases of mosquito-borne illness activity in our county and respond with mosquito treatment to reduce the risk of the illness spreading. If you believe you have a mosquito-borne illness, please immediately call DOH-Pinellas at (727) 824-6932.
“Our staff are working long hours across the county to apply preventative treatments for mosquitoes,” said Alissa Berro, section manager for Pinellas County Mosquito Control and Vegetation Management. “We’re forecast to get a lot of rain this weekend, so it’ll be important for residents to dump standing water after it accumulates – that’ll take away mosquito breeding grounds.”
The best way for residents to prevent mosquito bites is to follow the 3 Ds:
- Dress light-colored, long-sleeved clothing with closed-toed shoes.
- Defend using an insect repellent with a CDC-recommended ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
- Dump or cover standing water, which can include debris from recent storm events holding water.
Residents are encouraged to use screens on open windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering their home.
Visit https://pinellas.gov/mosquito-control/ for additional resources, including a public treatment map that displays recent and upcoming treatments to an area.
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