BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – The Brazos County Health District Vector Surveillance Program has confirmed mosquito samples collected in Brazos County have tested positive for West Nile Virus.
The mosquito trap that collected the positive samples was located in south College Station.
“Please keep in mind that all of Brazos County should be considered positive for WNV and residents should take the necessary steps to reduce exposure to mosquitoes,” Community Relations Manager Felicia Benford said.
The Brazos County Health District conducts Mosquito Surveillance with weekly trapping in Bryan and College Station from May to October. They monitor for the presence of West Nile Virus, St Louis Encephalitis Virus, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus.
Enhanced surveillance including additional traps and larvicide treatments will begin as specified in the Brazos County Health District Phased Response Guidelines. Residents in all areas of Bryan, College Station, and the Brazos Valley area should empty and eliminate any standing water in containers on their property and ensure that lawn irrigation and onsite sewage systems are functioning properly. There are no medications to treat, or vaccines to prevent West Nile Virus infection.
“Just continue about your normal day,” the head of the Vector Surveillance Program, Ashleigh Brand, said. “If you are going to do bug sprays, try to look for something with DEET in it, DEET is always the way to go.”
All Brazos County residents are urged to use the 4D’s to reduce exposure to biting mosquitoes:
• DEET All day, Every Day: Whenever outside, use and reapply insect repellents including the active ingredient DEET or other EPA-registered repellents and always follow label instructions.
• Dress: Wear long, loose, and light-colored clothing outside.
• Dusk and Dawn: Limit spending time outdoors when mosquitoes are most active.
• Drain: Drain or treat with larvicide all standing water in and around your home or workplace where mosquitoes could lay eggs.
West Nile Virus is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Most people exposed to the virus do not get sick, but about 20% develop symptoms like headache, fever, body aches, joint pains, nausea, and fatigue.
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