HOUSTON (CBS Houston) Mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus have been found in Harris County; as result of findings, officials plan on spraying.
Reports indicate that the Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services (HCPHES) Mosquito Control has confirmed that a “Culex quinquefasciatus” mosquito sample has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) in Harris County.
That particular sample was collected from a trapping for the insects located in northeast Harris County with an area that has the zip code 77346.
With this first confirmed mosquito sample in Harris County this year, officials have organized an evening spray operation that is scheduled to begin Friday evening at dusk.
Residents of Harris County are asked to take precautions in preventing the spread of West Nile Virus. For example, standing water in fountains, pools or in other containers should be emptied since it appears as if that water is a rich breeding ground for mosquitoes. Residents are also asked to wear repellant that contains the ingredient DEET, a known chemical effective in combating mosquito bites.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “…[the] West Nile virus (WNV) is most often spread to people from the bite of an infected mosquito. The WNV normally cycles between mosquitoes and birds. However, people may be infected if they are bitten by a WNV-infected mosquito.”
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