Sanford, Fla. - The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County (DOH-Seminole) reminds Seminole County residents and visitors to Drain and Cover, especially during the rainy season. Simple steps can be taken to protect yourself and your loved ones against mosquito-borne illnesses.

"Everyone can play a role to prevent mosquitoes from breeding and possibly transmitting diseases. Remember to discard any items in your home that accumulate water, drain standing water and protect yourself and loved ones from mosquito bites. We partner with Seminole County Mosquito Control to keep the community safe from mosquito-borne diseases through education and mosquito control measures," said Donna Walsh, health officer for the Seminole County Health Department.

To protect yourself from mosquitoes, remember to "Drain and Cover":

DRAIN standing water weekly 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.

• Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren't being used.

• 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.

• Clothing - Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long-sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.

• Repellent - Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus,

  para-menthane-diol, and IR3535 are effective.

• Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

COVER doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house.

• Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios.

For more information on what repellent is right for you, see: www.epa.gov/insect-repellents
The department continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, zika, chikungunya and dengue infections. Residents of Florida are encouraged to report dead birds via the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's site www.myfwc.com.

For more information about mosquito-borne diseases including current surveillance data, visit DOH's website at www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/mosquito-borne-diseases or contact your county health department.

For information on Seminole County Mosquito Control Program call (407) 665-5542 or visit http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/departments-services/public-works/watershed-management/mosquito-control-program/

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.