, /PRNewswire/ -- Floridians and tourists flock outdoors in the Sunshine State during the summer months and may not realize that the world's deadliest animal is an ever-present uninvited guest. Mosquitoes, stealthy and virtually invisible, are enjoying the weather and thriving in every outdoor setting. And they bring a serious health risk with them, potentially carrying diseases like Dengue fever, Zika, malaria, West Nile virus and Equine Encephalitis.
This week the (FMCA) and its members - 67 mosquito control programs including 15 independent districts - are reminding the public to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites and the diseases they transmit. "The world's top mosquito control scientists and experts are in , working 24/7 to control and mitigate the threat of disease," said , President of the Florida Mosquito Control Association and Business Manager at the Anastasia Mosquito Control District in St. Johns County "Floridians know and understand the need to be vigilant about hurricanes and tropical storms, however we must also be vigilant about mosquitoes.
" That vigilance is heightened in where the warm and wondrous tropical weather draws millions of visitors and thousands of new residents each year. Mosquitoes are drawn to our state for the same reasons. And this year is threatening to open the door for even more of these dangerous animals.
Just this month, , leaving standing water throughout the region and providing the perfect habitat for mosquitoe.