Published 10-30-2017

By J. Noel Espinoza/RioGrandeInfo

With rains forecast this Halloween, Brownsville residents are encouraged to take precautions after the health department announced one local mosquito pool sample tested positive for the West Nile virus.

City officials said local mosquito-borne disease surveillance is conducted year-round by the Public Health & Wellness Department’s Vector Control Division. Throughout 2017, mosquito pool specimens have been submitted to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) for testing.

“This is the first local mosquito sample to test positive this year for a virus of any kind,” said Public Health & Wellness Director Arturo Rodriguez. “Mosquitos are active year-round, even throughout the fall and winter months. With Halloween right around the corner, we remind residents to remain alert and protect themselves against mosquito bites.”

Parents and children are encouraged to protect themselves from mosquitos while trick-or-treating in the neighborhood by taking the following preventative measures:

1. Spray exposed skin and clothing with repellent. Be sure to read label instructions on any repellent and use as directed.
2. Use air conditioning or window/door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
3. Use protection during sex especially if your partner traveled to an area with Zika virus or if you are pregnant or considering getting pregnant.
4. Bring unused tires to the City of Brownsville Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Landfill, free of charge with a Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB) account of charges. Maximum: Four tires.

For more information on symptoms, diagnoses and treatment for the West Nile virus, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/symptoms/index.html.

To report mosquito concerns or illegal dumping, please call (956) 546-HELP (4357).