DATE: July 29, 2016
MEDIA CONTACT: Anh Ton, Director
Highway and Bridge Maintenance Division / Mosquito Control Section
PHONE: 954-357-8041
EMAIL: aton@broward.org
UPDATE: August 3, 2016. Broward County does not have active local transmission of the Zika virus by mosquitoes. There are now 15 confirmed non-travel related cases of the Zika virus in South Florida, according to the Florida Department of Health. Only one is in Broward County. The Florida Department of Health has ruled out two previous suspected non-travel related cases. The Health Department still believes active transmission is only taking place within a one-square mile area in Miami-Dade County. There are no active investigations in Broward County and no areas of active transmission in Broward County.
UPDATE: August 2, 2016. The Florida Department of Health reports there are now three suspected non-travel related Zika virus cases in Broward.
BROWARD COUNTY, FL - The Florida Department of Health has concluded that four Zika virus cases in South Florida are the result of local transmission. Two are in Broward County. At this time, the County would like to ensure all residents that everything possible is being done to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
The Broward County Mosquito Control Section is working closely with the Florida Department of Health and Code Enforcement partners in Broward's 31 municipalities.
Here's what's being done to protect residents in a 300 yard minimum radius around the home of the first suspected locally-acquired cases:
- Conducting door-to-door back pack spraying
- Draining standing water where possible
- Treating standing water with long-lasting larvicide
- Eliminating mosquito habitats
- Setting up mosquito traps
- Sampling adult mosquitos to gauge effectiveness of the above-mentioned treatments
In addition, the Mosquito Control Section has purchased extra chemicals and equipment to continue the back-pack spraying and larvicide placement, and has re-assigned personnel to assist in administering larvicide to areas of standing water that can't be drained.
Residents can help in this effort by letting Mosquito Control officials enter their property so these preventive steps can be taken. You can also contact the Mosquito Control Section and request spraying in your neighborhood, either by calling 954-765-4062 or completing the online Mosquito Spray Request Form.
It's very important that residents do their part to help. Take the time this weekend to go around your property, and drain anything that's holding standing water. This can include flower pots, children's toys, pet bowls, used car parts, and even coconut shells. Cover yourself when outdoors, and wear a mosquito repellant that contains DEET. The mosquito that carries the Zika virus can bite indoors, and during the day, so be sure to keep doors and windows closed. This flyer offers more tips for breaking the Zika virus cycle. For more information on protecting yourself from mosquito-borne diseases, visit our website.
The Florida Department of Health has set up a Zika virus information line for concerned residents. That number is 1-855-622-6735.
About Highway and Bridge Maintenance Division
The Highway and Bridge Maintenance Division is responsible for the maintenance and construction of County road and highway projects, curbs and gutters, guardrails, rights-of-ways, sidewalks, storm water systems, streets, swales and trees, and mosquito control. Staff resources are available for 24-hour emergency services. Call 954-357-6040 for more information.
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