BROWNSVILLE, Texas (October 27, 2017) – Today, the City of Brownsville Public Health & Wellness Department announces one local mosquito pool sample tested positive for the West Nile virus.

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, MPH, RN, CPM. “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.”

The City of Brownsville wishes all residents a fun and safe Halloween weekend. Parents and children are encouraged to protect themselves from mosquitos while trick-or-treating in the neighborhood by taking the following preventative measures:

• Apply EPA-registered mosquito repellent that contains DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Spray exposed skin and clothing with repellent. Be sure to read label instructions on any repellent and use as directed. Dress protectively by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes when you are outside. Drain standing water in your backyard and neighborhood.
• Use air conditioning or window/door screens to keep mosquitoes outside. Stay indoors to prevent mosquito bites. If you are not able to protect yourself from mosquitoes inside your home or hotel, sleep under a mosquito bed net.
• Use protection during sex especially if your partner traveled to an area with Zika virus or if you are pregnant or considering getting pregnant. Women and men who are considering starting or expanding their family should talk to their healthcare provider to inform their decisions about timing of pregnancy.
• 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).

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