Mosquito-borne illness warning issued for Sarasota County

The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County has issued a mosquito-borne illness advisory following a single confirmed human case of West Nile Virus. 

The case occurred in early September and has been treated. Laboratory confirmation was recently received.

Residents should be aware that a risk of transmission to humans exists. Surveillance indicates that there has not been an increase in mosquito-borne disease activity in sentinel chicken flocks or mosquito pools. Still, DOH-Sarasota reminds residents and visitors to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to take basic precautions to help limit exposure.  

Sarasota County Mosquito Management Services takes steps year-round to reduce mosquito populations and mosquito-borne illness, including larvicides and adulticides. Staff surveyed and treated all the areas at risk and increased treatments by foot, truck and aircraft. Missions have been conducted on a continuous basis where needed. 

Residents are encouraged to protect themselves from mosquito bites by draining and covering standing water on their property, wearing repellant and wearing long loose-fitting clothing. The DOH has posted a video on West Nile for citizens to review at Sarasota.FloridaHealth.gov. 

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