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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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Arbovirus (Mosquito-Borne llness) and Other Insect-Borne Diseases

Environmental Health Services

Viruses that are carried by mosquitoes are called arboviruses. The health department partners with Brevard County Mosquito Control to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne illness in the community. Mosquito Control agencies located statewide monitor mosquito populations.

Sentinel chickens are monitored and tested for exposure to arboviruses. Chickens are good sentinels because they do not get sick from these viruses or transmit them to humans. Horses with Eastern equine encephalitis or West Nile may be the first indicator that an arbovirus is in an area. Dead birds are an indicator that West Nile virus may be in an area. Please report dead birds by visiting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Surveillance for Wild Bird Die-offs website Avian Mortality (myfwc.com).

When mosquito populations are large and virus is detected, mosquito control activities are increased- press releases and public education activities are issued to increase awareness of personal protection measures.

For more information on the Brevard County Mosquito Control please visit Mosquito Control (brevardfl.gov).

For more information on Arbovirus Surveillance in the State of Florida, please visit Mosquito-Borne Disease Surveillance | Florida Department of Health (floridahealth.gov).

For more information about other Mosquito-Borne Diseases, please visit:  Mosquito-Borne and Other Insect-Borne Diseases | Florida Department of Health (floridahealth.gov).

 

Help the community by doing your part in preventing the spread of Arboviruses:

  • Don’t give mosquitoes a place to breed. A small amount of standing water can be enough for a mosquito to lay her eggs. Be sure to empty water from buckets, cans, pool covers, flowerpots, birdbaths, and pet bowls weekly. Check rain gutters. Encourage your neighbors to do the same.
  • Drain standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.
  • Cover your skin with clothing and use mosquito repellent.
  • Cover doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out.