SUGAR LAND, Texas —
Mosquitoes in Sugar Land tested positive for West Nile virus, according to city officials.
The mosquitoes were caught in traps on Elkins Road near Oakland Drive and Stone Trail Drive near Greatwood Parkway.
City officials said they were trapped last week and they were notified Tuesday that at least one mosquito in each trap tested positive for West Nile.
The City will spray twice a week and is working with the Texas Department of State Health Services to trap and test mosquitos for the presence of the virus.
Humans can contract West Nile virus from a mosquito bite. Infected mosquitoes get the virus from feeding on infected birds. The virus can cause serious illness or death.
Dr. Joe Anzaldua, the City of Sugar Land's medical director and health authority, urges residents to take precautions to reduce West Nile exposure.
“Residents should use insect repellent whenever they are outdoors and avoid going outside at dusk and dawn when mosquitos are most active,” Anzaldua said. “People over 50 years old and those with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill if infected with the virus. If people have symptoms that cause them concern, they should contact their healthcare provider immediately.”
Most people who are infected with West Nile virus show no or only mild symptoms such as a low-grade fever and headache.
More severe signs and symptoms can include high fever, stiff neck, disorientation, encephalitis, and rarely, death.
If you think you have been infected, you are urged to contact your healthcare provider.
The Texas Department of State Health Services recommends practicing the "Four Ds" as precautionary measures:
- Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Dress in long sleeves and long pants when you are outside.
- Stay indoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Drain standing water where mosquitoes breed. Common breeding sites include old tires, flowerpots and clogged rain gutters.
It’s also important for residents to eliminate standing water around their homes which can be an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes.
For more information on how to "fight the bite" click here.