ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Pinellas County Mosquito Control is urging residents to protect themselves from mosquitoes as there is an increase in West Nile Virus cases.
Officials say they've seen an increased transmission of the disease through its sentinel chicken illness detection program.
With a lot of rain forecasted for the next few days, residents are urged to dump or cover standing water to prevent mosquito breeding.
Other tips include:
- Dress in light-colored, long-sleeve clothing with closed-toed shoes
- Use insect repellent with an CDC recommended ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
- Use screens on open windows and doors
"Our staff are working long hours across the county to apply preventative treatments for mosquitoes," said Alissa Berro, a Pinellas County Mosquito Control official. "We're forecast to get a lot of rain this weekend, so it'll be important for residents to dump standing water after it accumulates - that'll take away mosquito breeding grounds."
