FL Dept. of Health warns of increase in mosquito-borne diseases in Osceola County

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health for Osceola County issued an alert Tuesday warning residents of a recent increase in mosquito-borne disease activity.

Health officials say cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis have been confirmed in two horses in the area.

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According to the health department, the risk of transmitting the disease to humans has grown, and there’s increased concern that some residents could get sick.

The health department is also monitoring for the presence of other mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile virus, and malaria.

They’re reminding people to take certain basic measures to help prevent mosquito bites.

Mosquitoes: What you need to know (NCD)

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It’s important to drain standing water to prevent mosquitoes from multiplying. That includes water from garage cans, pool covers or anywhere water from sprinklers or rain might collect.

Birdbaths and pets’ water bowls should also be emptied and cleaned at least once or twice a week.

The health department recommends keeping windows and doors covered with screens to keep mosquitoes out of the house.

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For more information on mosquito-borne and other insect-borne diseases, click here

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