WFSU Local News

Leon Co. Health Dept. To Residents: Heavy Rains Could Bring Disease-Carrying Mosquitoes

WFSU | By Sascha Cordner

Published June 20, 2017 at 3:53 PM EDT

With all this rainy weather this month, Leon County health officials are encouraging area residents to watch out for mosquitoes.

Because mosquitoes can carry diseases—like the Zika virus—the Leon County Health Department wants residents to eliminate standing water on and around your property. That includes emptying water from flower pots, watering cans, and birdbaths.

And, due to the heavy rainfall, residents are urged to take five to 10 minutes of each day to do that. Officials say that will lessen the chances of mosquitoes reproducing.

Wearing mosquito-repellent that includes DEET, as well as long pants and sleeves will also help fight mosquitoes.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

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Sascha Cordner

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.

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