City of Laredo Health Dept. Encourages Precautions Against Mosquitos to Prevent Disease
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Apr 17, 2015, Comments Off
Courtesy Xochitl Mora,
Laredo, TX – The City of Laredo Health Department wants to encourage the public to take precautions and exercise measures for mosquito control to prevent Dengue and West Nile Virus (WNV) infections.
“We have mosquitoes here in Laredo that have the potential to carry disease, and the change in climate (cooler temperatures) and recent rains are ideal for West Nile Virus,” said Dr. Hector F. Gonzalez, Director of Health. We have already confirmed two cases in Laredo.
West Nile Virus (WNV):
WNV activity increases in the summer and continues into the fall. Most persons who become infected with WNV develop no clinical illness or symptoms. Approximately 20% of people with WNV will develop symptoms: fever, headache, fatigue, skin rash, some experience gastrointestinal symptoms to very severe neurological complications (high fever, headache, stiff neck, paralysis, tremors and/or movement disorders). WNV can affect anyone, but in general affects persons over 50 years of age.
Dengue:
Dengue activity mostly occurs in the spring and summer. Persons who become infected with Dengue Virus are also asymptomatic. For those that develop symptoms, they can experience deep pain around eyes, fever, extreme muscle and joint pain, headache, rash (3-5 days after fever) and muscle weakness. Some may have gastrointestinal symptoms; severe complications may include developing bleeding disorders and go into shock.
To reduce the risk of mosquito disease, please follow these guidelines:
· Get rid of standing water (from yard fountains, bird baths, drains, gutters) and dispose of trash and tires appropriately.
· Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk. Use one that contains DEET.
· Spray clothing with insect repellent, since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing.
· If 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.
· Persons may want to consider commercial and residential pest control methods. If one uses off the counter methods one should follow the instructions carefully.
· 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 on general pet care for WNV prevention.
· 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.
The City of Laredo takes the following actions to reduce mosquito breeding and prevent disease:
· Spraying the City right-of-ways.
· Larviciding to reduce mosquito breeding.
· Distributing minnows to reduce mosquito breeding.
· Cleaning streets and neighborhoods.
· Picking up tires daily.
Prevention is a community-wide effort. By all of us doing our part, we can reduce the spread of disease.
