ST. AUGUSTINE - The Florida Department of Health in St. Johns County is lifting the public health advisory for mosquito-borne illness that has been in place since September 2014, when several sentinel chickens tested positive for West Nile virus.

Cooler weather means there is little mosquito activity in the area, and this is an appropriate time to lift the health advisory. However, in Florida, there is a risk of mosquito-borne disease transmission year round.

To protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses, remember "DRAIN AND COVER":

DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying:

• Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.
• Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren't being used.
• Empty and clean birdbaths and pets water bowls at least once or twice a week.
• Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
• Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

COVER skin with clothing or repellent:

Clothing: Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long-sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.

Repellent: Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective. Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

COVER doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house:

• Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios.

The Department of Health (DOH) continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, and dengue.

For more information on mosquito-borne illnesses, visit DOH’s website (New Window), or call DOH-St. Johns at 904-825-5055.