Push to control mosquito population as number of Zika cases rise locally

The Duval County Mosquito Control Lab is a place where entomologist Marah Clark studies and examines mosquitoes.

Zika, the virus carried by mosquitoes that’s been on everyone’s radar, especially mother Brittnee Williams.

“I have a 3-year-old and she loves going outside, but were always spraying her down,” said Williams.

A new case popped up in Duval County Thursday, bringing the total number to three cases. There are two in St. Johns County and two in Clay County.

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That’s why Clark said they’re urging people to take a walk around their yard and empty anything that has standing water, because the mosquitoes that can carry Zika, breed there.

Clark said even during the Fourth of July, if people are cooking out and forget to leave a potato chip bag, they can thrive there, too.

“If you miss your trash can, it will hold enough water to breed mosquitoes in them,” said Clark.

Williams said she is will heed the warning so her family stays safe.

“As a parent, you do get concerned when those things come around,” said Williams.

Clark said they do have sprays throughout the week to help keep the mosquito population under control.

Cox Media Group