The best way to prevent dengue, chikungunya or Zika infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. The mosquitoes that transmit these viruses are typically found around homes and bite aggressively during the day. Avoid bites by using insect repellents that contain DEET or picaridin and wearing long sleeves and long pants.

Mosquitoes that transmit Zika, dengue and chikungunya viruses never lay their eggs in “standing water” on the ground!

Water in ditches, marshes, ponds or canals is irrelevant to Zika, dengue, or chikungunya transmission. Artificial and natural containers are the only sources of concern. Because the mosquitoes that transmit these viruses are ones that are produced in containers, tires, gutters, flower pots, bromeliad plants, etc., it is important that citizens make the effort to be certain they are not producing mosquitoes on their property. They also need to strongly encourage their neighbors to do the same. If it can hold water, it can produce mosquitoes. Inspect your backyard and dump, drain or cover anything holding water.

The District’s general objective in response to these diseases are the prevention, detection and timely response to outbreaks of dengue, chikungunya or Zika through surveillance and control measures. These viruses are not known to be circulating in Florida; however the risk of introduction is high due to travel importation, presence of the mosquitoes that can transmit the virus and the susceptible human population. The District coordinates closely with the Health Department to keep residents and visitors informed about mosquito borne diseases that affect Indian River County.

Success in controlling local transmission of Zika, dengue or chikungunya viruses is dependent on community participation to remove mosquito-producing containers from homes and workplaces.