Mosquito-borne Illness Advisory Lifted

 

Ocala, Florida—The Florida Department of Health in Marion County has lifted the mosquito-borne illness advisory that was established in July 2013. Officials say, even though the advisory has been lifted you should still take precautions when outdoors. Residence should also continue to be proactive in eliminating standing water as well as moist areas where mosquitoes can breed.

Marion County issued a mosquito-borne illness advisory in July after horses in the Micanopy area of northwestern Marion County tested positive for the eastern equine encephalitis virus.

“With the decrease in mosquito-borne illnesses across the state and the recent lower temperatures, we are confident that it is safe to lift the advisory,” said Dan Dooley, Environmental Health administrator at the Florida Department of Health in Marion County. “However, we want our residents to continue to take precautions so they can avoid these serious illnesses.”

Mosquito-borne infections can occur at any time in Florida. The Department encourages everyone to take basic precautions to help limit exposure to mosquitoes. The Department is also recommending that horse and livestock owners contact their veterinarian about vaccinations against mosquito-borne diseases.