Fighting the Zika Virus in Orange County is a community effort. Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs would like to share a message with residents about how to combat Zika:
AN OPEN LETTER FROM ORANGE COUNTY MAYOR TERESA JACOBS
Dear Orange County Residents:
Working in partnership with our public health partners, our Code Enforcement personnel and others – including our many Home Owner Associations – Orange County has developed one of the most highly effective mosquito and insect control programs in the nation. In early 2015, when the mosquito-borne illness Chikungunya was determined to be a threat in our area, our Orange County Mosquito Control Office undertook an aggressive approach to combatting the type of mosquitoes responsible for the Chikungunya virus – in large part by eliminating sources of standing water where mosquitos were breeding. From comprehensive community and citizen education programs to widespread testing, mosquito identification and eradication efforts, our Chikungunya response was a success in every way. Little did we know that this effort would serve as the template for our Zika response. Now like then, I want to assure you that our full resources are being dedicated to combatting this mosquito-borne illness.
To leverage the County’s robust mosquito control operation, I’m asking for your partnership, as we work to combat mosquito-borne illnesses – especially Zika. By incorporating a few simple tasks into your daily and weekly routines, you can make a huge difference. First, a couple of facts. While most people tend to think of mosquitoes as prevalent in areas surrounding bodies of water or at dusk, the two types of mosquitoes known to transmit the Zika virus actually bite during the day and breed in small collections of standing water, such as the top of your garage bin, pool covers, birth baths and flower pots. For most people, symptoms associated with having Zika are considered to be mild; however, a small portion of the population, specifically expecting mothers, could be susceptible to potentially more serious side effects.
Please – help us fight this virus by ridding your yard or business of standing water. Check in with elderly neighbors or others who might need assistance in clearing their yards or porches of anything where water can collect. Report roadside debris like tires or open containers by dialing 3-1- 1 from your home or mobile phone, so the County or other appropriate agency can remove these items. If you’d like additional information regarding the Zika virus, please visit the websites for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention About Zika or our local mosquito control office at Orange County Mosquito Control.
I am so proud of our community. As your Mayor, I thank you for playing your part in creating a healthy environment, and in following the included recommendations from the Florida Department of Health and Orange County Mosquito Control.
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. 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:
Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
COVER doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house:
Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches and patios.
WEAR 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. EPA-approved repellent is safe for pregnant women to use. Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
With continued thanks for your help and support,
Teresa Jacobs
