Press Release

Fort Bend County
Health and Human Services

4520 Reading Road - Suite A - Rosenberg, TX 77471

Contact: Melanie Manville, 281-238-3551

melanie.manville@co.fort-bend.tx.us

For immediate release

A mosquito sample from the Fresno area has tested positive for West Nile Virus. This is the first positive sample in Fort Bend County in several years. Following procedure, mosquito spraying in the area will be intensified until a negative sample is gathered from the area. The intensive spraying is targeted at areas likely to hold water including ditches and drains. In addition to extra spraying, Road & Bridge is also using a larvacide to prevent future mosquitoes from hatching. 

Residents should not rely solely on mosquito spraying by the County or Cities. The spray may not reach backyard areas because of fences, homes, and other barriers. Residents can take responsibility in and around their own home by following the 4 D's:

• DRAIN (most effective for preventing mosquitoes) standing water in your backyard and neighborhood - old tires, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, non-aerated ponds, broken hot tubs or fountains, and puddles from overwatering the yard.  These are mosquito-breeding sites. This is especially important now as we are experiencing drought conditions and mosquitoes love to breed in for stagnant water.
  

• DUSK/DAWN are the times of day you should try to stay indoors. This is when infected mosquitoes are most active.

• DRESS in long sleeves and pants when you're outside. For extra protection, you may want to spray thin clothing with repellent.

• DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) is an ingredient to look for in your insect repellent. Follow label instructions, and always wear repellent when outdoors. Also consider using sprays made for yards and other outdoor areas.