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Mosquito-Borne Disease

Rains and warm temperatures make Jacksonville a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Mosquito season usually begins in the spring and slows down in the fall. Mosquitoes can carry diseases that are harmful to people, like West Nile and Eastern equine encephalitis viruses. 

Duval County has a modern mosquito control program that has been active since 1957, the Jacksonville Mosquito Control Division. This Division routinely coordinates with the Duval County Health Department regarding these viruses and responds quickly with surveillance and appropriate treatments when warranted.
During Mosquito Season
The Mosquito Control Division monitors mosquito populations. It also controls the mosquito population through education, habitat reduction, and treatment of larval and adult mosquitoes. But that doesn't totally eliminate the risk of disease. There are simple things you can do to help control the population and protect yourself.

Protect Yourself Bites:
  • Wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants.
  • Use insect repellent with ingredients like DEET, picaridin, IR3535, OLE, or PMD.
  • Put sunscreen on before insect repellent.
  • Keep doors and windows closed, or install screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
Help Control The Population:
  • Remove trash and clutter like old tires, buckets, and tarps.  
  • Empty standing water from containers like pet dishes, children's toys, and flowerpots. 
  • Keep water fresh in containers like bird baths and kiddie pools.
  • Clean gutters and catch basins.
Stop mosquitoes from living and multiplying around your home or business. Protect yourself from mosquito's bites and the diseases they carry.
Diseases Found In Florida
West Nile Virus 
West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that causes mild to severe illness. Most West Nile virus infections (approximately 80%) are asymptomatic.  In those people that do develop symptoms, most experience a mild illness termed West Nile Fever (WNF) that is characterized by headache, fever, pain, and fatigue. 

West Nile Virus Information from the Florida Department of Health

Eastern Equine Encephalitis
Eastern equine encephalitis virus is a mosquito-borne alphavirus, first recognized in humans in 1938. It cycles between Culiseta melanura mosquitoes and birds in freshwater swampy areas. Symptoms develop 3-10 days after the bite of an infected mosquito and begin with a sudden onset of fever, general muscle pains, and a headache of increasing severity. 

Eastern Equine Encephalitis Information from the Florida Department of Health

St. Louis Encephalitis
St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that is maintained in a cycle between Culex mosquitoes and birds. Occasionally, an infected mosquito will bite a human, causing disease.  Symptoms appear 5 to 15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito.  Most infections are unapparent but when symptoms occur they can range from fever with headache to meningitis, encephalitis, and coma. People over the age of 50 seem to be at greater risk for severe disease.

St. Louis Encephalitis Information from the Florida Department of Health


 
To request Mosquito Control to inspect or spray your property or neighborhood contact 630-CITY (2489) and an operator will assist you. Requests can also be made Online. 

Additional Resources: 

Florida Department of Health Information