Zika Virus Update

There are no cases of locally-acquired Zika in Lee County and there are no identified Zika zones in Florida at this time. It's essential that everyone is educated and takes necessary precautions against Zika.

To view updates from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), please click here. 

The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel consistently monitors updates related to the Zika virus with local, state and federal agencies.

Prevention Tip #1: Use insect repellent

Repellant should have any of the following active ingredients:

• DEET (up to 30%)
• Picaridin
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Para-menthane diol
• IR3535

Always follow product label instructions and make sure repellent is age-appropriate.

It is safe for pregnant or nursing women to use EPA-approved repellents if applied according to package label instructions.

Apply repellent on bare skin or clothing, not under clothing.

Prevention Tip #2: Cover up

Cover skin with long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Apply a permethrin repellent directly to clothing or purchase pre-treated clothing. Follow the manufacturer’s directions and do not apply directly to the skin.

Prevention Tip #3: Eliminate pools of standing water

Reduce mosquito breeding sites by eliminating standing water. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as one teaspoon of water, so it is important to drain all sources of standing water — no matter how small — to keep mosquitoes from multiplying.

Prevention Tip #4: Keep mosquitoes outside

Use screens on windows and doors. If you are not able to fully protect yourself with windows and doors, sleep under a mosquito bed net.

Updated: June 5, 2020