Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile Virus In Harris County

West Nile Virus

Harris County has confirmed that two Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).

The positive samples were collected from the following mosquito trapping sites:

· Troy Road @ Yale 77076 Key Map 452D

· Gazin @ Larimer 77020 Key Map 494M

These are the first locations in Harris County this season that mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile Virus. Last year, the virus made its first appearance in mosquitoes in early May.

In response to WNV being identified in mosquitoes, the evening spray operation has been activated in the affected and surrounding areas.

HCPHES Mosquito Control has also expanded existing mosquito surveillance to facilitate earlier recognition and detection of disease carrying mosquitoes.

West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause encephalitis, a brain infection. Mosquitoes acquire the virus from birds and pass it on to other birds, animals and people. Most people who are infected with West Nile virus show no or only mild symptoms such as: low grade fever and headache. More severe signs and symptoms can include: high fever, stiff neck, muscle weakness, disorientation, brain inflammation (encephalitis), coma and rarely, death. When symptoms of infection do occur, they usually appear 5-15 days from the time you were bitten. If you think you have been infected with the West Nile virus, contact your family physician.

Because West Nile virus is part of our environment, residents are asked to help eliminate mosquito breeding sites and prevent mosquito-borne diseases:

1. Don't feed the storm drains. Sweep up lawn clippings, leaves and tree limbs from sidewalks and driveways.

2. Remove/empty any containers that can hold water. Flowerpots, tires, children's toys, etc. should be drained, inverted, covered or removed. Change water in birdbaths at least once a week.

3. Keep rain gutters properly clean and draining and repair household leaks.

4. Make sure screens on windows and doors are in good condition.

5. Wear long pants and long sleeved shirts when outdoors particularly at dawn and dusk.

6. When outdoors, use an insect repellent containing the chemical compound DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus and apply as directed on the label. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend using a repellent with a lower concentration, 10% or less, on children aged 2-12. Do not allow young children to apply repellent themselves; have an adult do it for them.

7. When mosquitoes are noticed in your yard, spray with an outdoor mosquito spray. Be sure to use according to directions on the label. To control mosquitoes in your house, use a “flying insect spray”. Be sure to use according to directions on the label
source:www.emaxhealth.com