First West Nile virus mosquito sample discovered in 2024

HOUSTON – The Harris County Public Health Mosquito and Vector Control Division has confirmed that a mosquito sample tested positive for West Nile virus in Harris County.

Officials said the positive sample was collected at a mosquito trapping site inside Loop 610 in Houston, in the 77019 ZIP code.

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Officials said that in response to the identification of West Nile virus, the Harris County Public Health Mosquito and Vector Control Division was activating evening spraying operations in the area where the sample positive was found and in surrounding areas. This operation will begin Wednesday evening at dusk to reduce the risk of disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes.

“After recent rains and the first warmer months of the year, we are seeing an increase in mosquito populations. We remind our residents to enjoy the outdoors, but remember to protect themselves and their families, diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. said Dr. Maximea (Max) Vigilant, Director of the Harris County Public Health Mosquito and Vector Control Division.

Mosquitoes are present all year round; However, they are more prevalent during the warmer months and generally most active from June to October, officials said.

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Of the 56 species of mosquitoes found in our region, only a handful transmit diseases such as West Nile Virus, Chikungunya, Dengue and Zika.

Most people infected with West Nile virus have no or only mild symptoms such as: mild fever and headache. More serious signs and symptoms may include high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, encephalitis, and rarely, death.

If you think you may have been infected with WNV, contact your healthcare provider.

KNOW THE 3 T’S: ADVISE, LAUNCH, ACT

As temperatures rise, so do mosquito populations. MVCD wants residents to remember the 3 T’s when it comes to mosquito control in their area – “Tip, throw, Take action“.

Advice
Follow these simple tips to avoid mosquito breeding sites around your home, especially right after a weather event:

• Advice or empty standing water from pet bowls, flower pots, tires, buckets and other containers.
• If you have a birdbath, change its water every three to five days.

Throw
Mosquitoes are also capable of breeding in small places where standing water can be hidden from the human eye. Practice the following tips to reduce mosquito breeding in these indoor areas:
-TOSS remove debris, trash and other unwanted items from your home.
– Clean clogged gutters.
– Keep outdoor trash cans closed and avoid overfilling them.
– Do not sweep lawn clippings, leaves or trash into storm drains, as this will prevent water from draining, creating ideal sites for mosquito breeding.
– Minimize the risk of standing water by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets, tires or other water-collecting objects.

Take action
There are also several ways to take action and reduce mosquito populations.

When using mosquito repellent, keep these points in mind:
– Use according to directions on product label.
– Do not use insect repellent on babies under 2 months old.
– Do not use products containing lemon eucalyptus oil or para-menthane-diol in children under 3 years old.
– Apply an EPA-registered repellent to yourself and your loved ones when outdoors.
– When possible, wear long sleeves, pants and socks.
– Treat standing water with larvicides in areas where the water cannot be covered, drained or removed and where it will not be used for drinking. Larvicides are a type of pesticide applied to kill mosquitoes in their early stages of development (larvae) before they become biting adults. They are sold in liquid, tablet, pellet, granule and briquette form and are available at most hardware stores. Larvicides are safe for the environment. Follow the instructions for the larvicide product you are using.
– Be sure to completely close exterior faucets to avoid leaks; fix constantly leaking faucets
– Keep screens fitted tightly on doors and windows.

For more mosquito prevention tips and resources, click here.