County concentrates mosquito treatment on malaria hot spot

In an effort to prevent future cases of malaria, Sarasota County Mosquito Management Services continues to focus treatments and surveillance on the areas of Desoto Acres and Kensington in north Sarasota. There are locations where there have been confirmed malaria cases and infected mosquitoes, and that have long-lasting standing water. The county has confirmed six cases of malaria. 

Multiple truck, aerial and backpack treatments have been conducted to eradicate anopheles, otherwise known as marsh mosquitoes. Treatments are also focused on a one-mile radius outside of those areas. In addition to treatments, there is also continued testing of anopheles from the area of concern. 

The county sends samples to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention weekly.

All Sarasota County residents are encouraged to continue to protect themselves from mosquito bites by doing the following:

• Avoid being outside between dusk and sunrise.
• Wear repellant and loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Drain any standing water on your property.
• Remove aquatic vegetation from ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and anything that holds water for an extended time and has overgrowth of vegetation.  

 For more information about Mosquito Management Services, mosquito-borne illness, spray missions or to submit a service request, call 311 or visit SCGov.net/mosquito.