During a recent government meeting, officials discussed updates on local waterways and mosquito management in the wake of Hurricane Milton.

The meeting began with a presentation on the new style of blue way brochures and updated maps for Lake County's waterways, which took two years to complete. The maps cover all 11 runs in the area, including the newly introduced Lake Apopka Run. The updates were made in collaboration with the communications department, ensuring accurate GIS data and mileage for each route.

Following this, Brad Russell, the mosquito management program manager, provided an overview of the county's efforts to control mosquito populations post-hurricane. He emphasized the importance of mosquito suppression in line with public health standards to mitigate the risk of arboviral diseases. The recent heavy rains from Hurricane Milton have created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes and Culex species, which pose different levels of health risks.

Russell highlighted the Aedes species, known for their aggressive biting behavior, and the Culex species, which are more associated with the transmission of West Nile virus. He explained the life cycle of the West Nile virus, noting that it is primarily transmitted between birds and mosquitoes, with humans and horses serving as dead-end hosts.

The meeting concluded with the announcement of a recent positive human case of West Nile virus in the county, although the individual has since been discharged from the hospital and is recovering. Russell noted that West Nile virus activity typically peaks in Florida from late summer to early fall, underscoring the ongoing need for effective mosquito management strategies.