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Zika Virus 101

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
 

The Florida Keys has no confirmed cases of locally acquired Zika. Together, we can keep it that way.

Please join the Monroe County ZapZika campaign. We are seeking everyone's support to help the Florida Keys Mosquito Control and the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County. These two agencies have been on the front line for months proactively working to keep the mosquito-borne virus that can cause birth defects out of the island chain.

Their work has paid off so far. But now is not the time for complacency, as evidenced by eleven travel-related Zika cases confirmed in the Keys in 2016. There have been no new cases since November. Florida Keys Mosquito Control was notified when they were just suspected cases. Its workers took extra measures where the cases occurred to eliminate the Aedes aegypti mosquito that can carry the virus and keep these isolated cases.

ZAPZika is supported by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners, the Monroe County Extension Service, the City of Key West, the Village of Islamorada and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. Here's what you can do:


 

DON'T LET THEM BREED: DUMP AND DRAIN

Mosquito Control Logo

Aedes aegypti is a freshwater mosquito that breeds primarily in standing water, no matter how seemingly small - even in a bottle cap. You can do your part by regularly eliminating all breeding sites around your home and businesses.

1. Drain water from garbage cans, coolers, pool covers, toys, flower pots and any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected. Don't forget about open bilges and containers on boats. Draining should be done at least once a week, although more often is better.

2. Remove old tires, bottles, cans, broken appliances and other items in your yard or porch that aren't being used and could hold water.

3. Empty and clean birdbaths and pets' water bowls at least twice a week.

4. Flush bromeliads and other water-holding plants at least once-a-week, or remove them from your landscaping.

5. Maintain the water balance (pool chemistry) of swimming pools. Empty and cover pools when not in use for long periods of time.

DON'T LET THEM BITE: COVER AND SPRAY

Mosquito Control Logo

Aedes aegypti mosquitos are aggressive daytime biters, although they can also bite at night. They are known as an "urban" mosquito that mostly are found in and around homes and businesses. You can do your part by not letting them bite you and your kids.

1. Repair broken screens on windows, doors, porches and patios. If screens are not available, keep windows and doors shut.

2. Use air conditioning if available.

3. If you must be outside when mosquitoes are active, wear light-colored clothing that covers hands, arms, legs and other exposed skin. Wear socks that cover the ankles and lower legs.

4. Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil or lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective.

5. Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months.

ZapZika Partners

 
Monroe County

Monroe County

UF IFAS

UF IFAS

Health Department

Health Department

TDC

TDC

Mosquito Control

Mosquito Control

City of Key West

City of Key West

Latest Updates:

Free Zika Testing for Pregnant Women in Monroe County.

Call for an appointment:

Key West/Lower Keys: 305-619-0924

Marathon/Middle Keys: 305-289-2708

Upper Keys: 305-853-7400

Monroe County has no locally acquired cases.

There are only eleven confirmed travel-related cases.

Contact Us
Florida Department Of Health in Monroe County

(305) 809-5607

Alison Morales

Mosquito Control of the Florida Keys

(305) 292-7190 x131

Beth Ranson

Monroe County Tourist Development Council

(305) 461-3300

Andy Newman

City of Key West

(305) 809-1058

Alyson Crean

Monroe County BOCC

(305) 742-9687

Cammy Clark