Concerns of mosquito-borne illnesses are on the rise due to a rainier and wetter year approaching the state of Florida. However, a state legislator and a board member of the Florida Mosquito Control Association (FMCA) believe that the Sunshine State is up for the challenge.
Despite South Florida witnessing its largest Dengue Fever outbreak in more than 75 years and the first case of locally transmitted malaria in over 20 years, State Senator Jim Boyd (R-FL) says that he can “rest easy” due to the work of the FMCA.
“These public servants are unsung heroes,” said Senator Boyd. “The potential health threat to tens of millions of Floridians and visitors is dramatically reduced by mosquito control professionals who deploy high-tech tools, scientific research and 24/7 work in the air and on the ground. This year threatens to bring higher than normal rainfall which would increase the mosquito population and the risk of mosquito-borne illness. But I rest easy, and Floridians can too, knowing our state has the nation’s best mosquito-control teams working to protect our health and our economy.”
Furthermore, a representative from the FMCA ensured that the organization works as a “statewide unit” to protect Floridians from Pensacola to Miami.
“We are proud to work with so many partners including local health departments and local officials,” said FMCA Board Member Phil Goodman, chairman of the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District. “But one of the biggest reasons for our success in controlling mosquitoes is the constant collaboration between mosquito control programs and districts. Whether it’s Pensacola or Miami or anywhere in between, we work as one statewide unit when it comes to ensuring we are all doing our best work to keep our state healthy and our economy booming.”
Moreover, pediatric physician Dr. Zuba reminded Floridians to “remain vigilant all year round.”
“As a practicing physician in the Florida Keys I have seen firsthand the detrimental effects of what a simple mosquito bite can do to the human body,” said Dr. Zuba, M.D. pediatrics, Florida Keys Mosquito Control District board member. “Due to Florida’s tropical and sub-tropical climates, we have to remain vigilant all year round – using appropriate protections and repellants while outdoors, especially during the dawn and dusk hours when mosquitos are most active.”
