Contact information

Volusia County Hotline
(866) 345-0345

United Way
First Call for Help
211 or (386)253-0563

Volusia County Schools
West Volusia
734-7190 ext. 20000
New Smyrna Beach
427-5223 ext. 20000
Daytona Beach
255-6475 ext. 20000
Deltona/DeBary
(386) 860-3322

DeLand
(386) 734-1711

Deltona
(386) 561-2109

Edgewater
(386) 424-2400

Flagler County
 (386) 437-8202

New Smyrna Beach Hotlines
(386) 424-2113
(386) 424-2114

Ormond Beach
Public Works
(386) 676-3220
Police non-emergency (386) 677-0731

Ponce Inlet
(386) 322-6711

Port Orange
(386) 506-5999

FPL Hotline
1-800-4-OUTAGE

FEMA
Assistance number
1-800-621-3362.

American Red Cross:
(386) 226-1400 (daily)
(866) GET-INFO (during crisis)

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Friday, May 23, 2009
Stefany Strong
Public Information Officer
Environmental Health Manager

Department of Health urges precautionary measures to prevent mosquito-borne illness

(Volusia County Remains Under Public Health Advisory for Eastern Equine Encephalitis)

DAYTONA BEACH - Due to recent flooding from heaving rain in the area, the Florida Department of Health (DOH), Volusia County Health Department (VCHD), and Volusia County Mosquito Control are urging citizens and visitors to protect themselves against mosquito-borne diseases.

Since the beginning of the year, three horses have died from Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus including two during the first week of April. The increased mosquito-borne disease activity in the area suggests there is a potential public health threat. Volusia County is a under public health advisory for EEE.

"Mosquitoes use standing water as their breeding grounds and with the current flooding in some parts of the county, it is very important for citizens to take proper precautions to avoid mosquito bites and possible illness," said Dr. Thomas R. Coleman, director of the Volusia County Health Department.

No human cases of Eastern equine encephalitis are reported in Volusia County or in the state at this time.

VCHD advises the public to remain diligent in protecting themselves from mosquito bites by following the "5 D's," which include:

  • Dusk and Dawn - Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are seeking blood. For many species, this is during the dusk and dawn hours.
  • Dress - Wear clothing that covers most of your skin.
  • DEET - When the potential exists for exposure to mosquitoes, repellents containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, or N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) are recommended. Picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus are other repellent options. If additional protection is necessary, a permethrin repellent can be applied directly to your clothing. Again, always follow the manufacturer's directions.
  • Drainage - Check around your home to rid the area of standing water, which is where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.

Tips on Repellent Use

  • Always read label directions carefully for the approved usage before applying a repellent to skin. Some repellants are not suitable for children.
  • Products with concentrations of up to 30 percent DEET are generally recommended. Other potential mosquito repellents, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in April 2005, contain picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. 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 3 years. DEET is not recommended on children younger than 2 months old.
  • Infants should be kept indoors or mosquito netting should be used over carriers when mosquitoes are present.
  • 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.

Tips on Eliminating Mosquito Breeding Sites

Elimination of breeding sites is one of the keys to prevention.

  • Clean out eaves, troughs and gutters.
  • Remove old tires or drill holes in those used in playgrounds to drain.
  • Turn over or remove empty plastic pots.
  • Pick up all beverage containers and cups.
  • Check tarps on boats or other equipment that may collect water.
  • Pump out bilges on boats.
  • Replace water in birdbaths and pet or other animal feeding dishes at least once a week.
  • Change water in plant trays, including hanging plants, at least once a week.
  • Remove vegetation or obstructions in drainage ditches that prevent the flow of water.

Physicians should contact their county health department if they suspect an individual may have a mosquito-borne illness. DOH laboratories provide testing services for physicians treating patients with clinical signs of mosquito-borne disease.

DOH continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito borne illnesses, including West Nile (WN) virus, Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE), St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE), malaria and dengue.

For more information on mosquito-borne illnesses, visit DOH's Environmental Health Web site at doh.state.fl.us/Environment/community/arboviral  or call the Volusia County Health Department's Environmental Health Office at 386- 274-0694.

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