No malaria on Longboat, but residents should take precautions

None of the seven malaria cases in Sarasota County originated from Longboat Key, but there are some things residents should be aware of, according to the latest “Tip Talk” video.

In Town Manager Howard Tipton’s latest “Tip Talk” video, he interviewed Wade Brennan, the director of mosquito control for Sarasota County. Brennan’s department is one of the most sophisticated pest control operations in the state, Tipton said.

First, Brennan said that receiving all necessary vaccinations before traveling the world is important since malaria is a human-spread disease. Tipton said this advice is important for Longboat’s heavily traveled population.

Protecting yourself is how to protect others, Brennan said. This starts with wearing long-sleeve clothing, especially when in mosquito-heavy locations at night. Residents should avoid any activity at night, if possible, Brennan suggested. Using the proper mosquito repellent is important, too.

Standing water is a key attractor for mosquitoes, which is why Brennan said that should standing water sources should be emptied or eliminated. This includes any buckets of water or reservoirs for rainwater such as gutters. Other key mosquito attractors are certain plants that retain water, such as bromeliads, water hyacinths and cattails.

Residents should seek medical attention if experiencing any malaria symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches and other flu-like symptoms.

For more information on mosquito management, visit SCGov.net/mosquito.