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St. Lucie County reminds residents to protect themselves from mosquitoes

Erick Gill
Special to TCPalm
The St. Lucie Mosquito Control District uses chicken flocks as part of an early warning program to detect the presence of St. Louis encephalitis, eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile viruses. Several chickens have recently tested positive for antibodies for West Nile virus in rural areas of St. Lucie County. There are currently no confirmed human cases in the county.

ST. LUCIE COUNTY — St. Lucie Mosquito Control District wishes to remind residents and visitors that the cooler temperatures we currently are experiencing does not mean that mosquitoes are not still active and a threat to public health as well as to horses and pets.

The District conducts routine surveillance for St. Louis encephalitis, eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile viruses.

The District uses chicken flocks as part of an early warning program to detect the presence of those viruses.

There are currently no confirmed human cases in the county.

However, several chickens have recently tested positive for antibodies for West Nile virus in rural areas of St. Lucie County.

In response, Mosquito Control has increased fog truck missions and surveillance as part of our ongoing efforts to reduce mosquito activity.

Because of our climate on the Treasure Coast, there is at least some risk of exposure to mosquito-borne diseases throughout the year.

St. Lucie County reminds residents to do their part in reducing breeding areas, including practicing the “tip and toss” method of emptying containers that collect standing water around their homes and yards. Even a bottle cap of standing water can provide a breeding habitat for mosquitos.

To prevent mosquito bites, residents are reminded to wear light clothing when jogging or walking in the evenings, as well as using mosquito repellant with DEET.

For more information on Mosquito Control efforts please contact the St. Lucie County Mosquito Control Hotline at 772-462-1692.

The most up-to-date information on fogging operations is also posted online: www.stlucieco.gov/mosquito.
 

St. Lucie Mosquito Control District wishes to remind residents and visitors that the cooler temperatures we currently are experiencing does not mean that mosquitoes are not still active and a threat to public health as well as to horses and pets.