Marion County issued a mosquito-borne illness advisory in July 2014 after two horses in Marion County tested positive for the Eastern equine encephalitis virus.

"With the decrease in mosquito-borne illnesses across the state we are confident that it is safe to lift the advisory," said Dan Dooley, Environmental Health administrator at the Florida Department of Health in Marion County. "However, we want our residents to continue to take precautions so they can avoid these serious illnesses."

Mosquito-borne infections can occur at any time in Florida. The Department encourages everyone to take basic precautions to help limit exposure to mosquitoes. The Department is also recommending that horse and livestock owners contact their veterinarian about vaccinations against mosquito-borne diseases.

The Department continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, and dengue fever. Residents of Florida are encouraged to report dead birds via the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website at www.myfwc.com/bird.

For more information call the Florida Department of Health in Marion County at 352-629-0137.

The Department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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