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4.26.2017: Prevent Mosquito Growth to Protect Against Zika and Other Mosquito Borne Diseases

News Release

April 26, 2017

Contacts:

Jose Rodriguez, Director of Public Affairs and Communications, Columbus Public Health [email protected] or (614) 604-5025

Mitzi Kline, Director of Communication for Franklin County Public Health [email protected] or (614) 374-1924 (cell)

Prevent Mosquito Growth to Protect Against Zika and Other Mosquito Borne Diseases

Mosquito season has arrived and both Franklin County and Columbus Public Health are already hard at work treating standing water to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

“Anything that holds even a small amount of water for a few days is a perfect place for mosquitoes to breed,” said Joe Mazzola, Franklin County Health Commissioner. “Once eggs are laid, a new crop of mosquitoes can hatch, grow and emerge from the water as adults in as little as one week.”

Residents can help public health combat mosquitoes with a few simple steps:

Empty, remove, cover or turn over containers that can hold water.
  • Treat rain barrels every month with Mosquito Dunks.
  • Change the water in wading pools weekly and store indoors when not in use.
  • Properly dispose of old tires.
  • Empty planters and bird baths often.
  • Empty and refill pets’ watering dishes daily.
  • Use sand to plug holes in trees where water can collect.
  • Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets.
  • Make sure gutters and downspouts are free of leaves and debris, and are properly draining.
  • Drain or fill low areas on your property that hold water for more than five days.
  • Remind or help neighbors eliminate breeding sites on their property.
“Mosquitoes can carry diseases such as Zika and West Nile, so it’s important to eliminate standing water as soon as possible to reduce their growth,” says Columbus Public Health Commissioner Dr. Teresa Long. “What residents do today will be critical to the number of mosquitoes in our community this summer.”
 

Additionally, residents can protect themselves by using insect repellant containing DEET, wearing protective clothing at dawn or dusk, and repairing window screens in order to reduce their risk.

For more information on mosquito prevention, visit [email protected] or www.myfcph.org/mosquito.

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