LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

Laredo, TX- The City of Laredo, through the Health Department and other City Departments, wants to remind the public to take precautions and exercise measures for mosquito control to prevent Dengue and West Nile Virus through integrated pest management to prevent other vector borne diseases such as Typhus and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

 These diseases are spread through mosquitoes, fleas and ticks. The recent rains and the problem of illegal dumping of tires, trash, and unkempt vacant lots increase the risk of these vector borne diseases. Last year, the nation underwent the largest West Nile Virus outbreak, with Texas taking the lead with the number of confirmed cases and deaths (1868 human cases, 89 deaths and 148 counties reporting cases).

 The City of Laredo did not confirm any cases of Dengue, West Nile Virus, or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, but did confirm one case of Typhus. This was due in large part to the efforts of the community to take care of their environment and the City being very proactive with integrated pest management such as with solid waste management (good sanitation and trash pick-up), tire recycling, district wide cleanup efforts, getting rid of standing water, enhancing surveillance, larvaciding, spraying and providing education on mosquito, flea and tick control. 

 Persons should take precautions and get rid of any standing water (i.e. empty cans, buckets, infant swimming pools, and fountains), clean their yards and report any unkempt empty lots and illegal trash and tire dumping sites. Reports can be made by calling 311. Remember elderly neighbors and the less fortunate may need help repairing their windows or door screens to help keep mosquitoes out and with other precautions to reduce their risk of becoming ill.  To reduce the risks of exposure please follow these recommendations:

·         Get rid of standing water and dispose of trash and tires appropriately.

·         Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent when outdoors.  Use one that contains DEET.

·         Spray clothing with insect repellent, since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing. 

·         When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors.

·         Use mosquito netting over infant carriers when you are outdoors.

·         Consider staying indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening, which are peak mosquito biting times. Do not sleep outdoors! If you exercise during these times, use repellants.

·         Install or repair window and door screens to avoid having mosquitoes indoors.

·         Mow tall grass and vegetation to reduce the amount of brush and foliage outside your home in order to eliminate resting sites for adult mosquitoes and other vectors.

·         Clean and empty water from flower pots, pet food and water dishes, bird baths, swimming pools (use covers), buckets, barrels, and cans.

·         Keep swimming pools clean, well maintained and chlorinated, empty solids, keep the area clean around the pool, and check for larvae. If you see an abandoned pool with water or a dirty pool, CALL 311!

·         Check for clogged rain gutters and clean them out.

·         Remove discarded tires and other items that could collect water.

·         We urge all horse owners to assure their horses are vaccinated against West Nile Virus and consult with their veterinarian with any questions.

·         Take care of your pets with appropriate flea and tick control following directions of the treatments (shampoos), flea collars and other forms of pest control. Always consult your veterinarian.

·         During hunting season or when hiking and walking in extreme vegetation use repellents on clothes, tuck your pants inside your boots and wear long sleeve shirts, if possible.