05.22.06
West Nile is found
11 mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus, county reports
Evening spray program activated in affected areas
– reported by the Houston Chronicle
[snip]
The mosquito samples that tested positive were collected in the following zip codes: 77004, 77013, 77016, 77028, 77050, 77077, 77345, 77506, 77536 and 77571.
[snip]
West Nile virus can cause encephalitis. Most people infected with West Nile virus show no symptoms or only mild symptoms, such as low-grade fever and headache. More severe symptoms include high fever, stiff neck, muscle weakness, disorientation and coma.
HCPHES encouraged residents to help control mosquitoes by adhering to the following preventive measures:
- Clean up lawn clippings, leaves and tree limbs from sidewalks and driveways so they don’t wash into storm drains.
- Remove or empty any outdoor containers that may hold water. Change birdbath water at least once a week.
- Keep rain gutters clear.
- Make sure window and door screens are in good condition.
- When outdoors, use an insect repellent containing the chemical compound DEET and apply as directed on the label. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using a repellent with a concentration of 10 percent or less of DEET on children ages 2 to 12.
