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Galveston
County Mosquito Control District
Gulf Coast E-news
Published - 07/28/04
The Galveston County Mosquito Control District
reported on Monday that mosquitoes collected
in Galveston tested positive for West
Nile Virus.
Thus far, in 2004 there are no confirmed
West Nile Virus infections in Galveston
County birds or horses. Kurt Koopmann,
Public Information Officer for the Galveston
County Health District reports that there
have been no confirmed human illnesses
in Galveston County due to West Nile Virus
infection.
"Based on this finding, the Mosquito
Control District will increase its spraying
and testing of mosquitoes in Galveston."
Said Director of the County Mosquito Control
District John Marshall.
Koopmann urges people to remember the four
D's to reduce the chance of becoming infected:
- Dusk to Dawn - Stay indoors from dusk
to dawn when those mosquitoes likely
to carry the infection are most active.
- Dress - Dress in long pants and long
sleeves when you are outside, especially
in mosquito-infested areas.
- DEET - Apply insect repellant that
contains DEET. Read and follow label
instructions. Spray both exposed skin
and clothing with repellant.
- Drain - Get rid of standing water
in your yard and neighborhood. Old
tires, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters,
leaky pipes and faucets, birdbaths
and wading pools can be breeding sites
for mosquitoes.
"If you keep your home open make sure
that door, porch, and window screens are
in good condition," Koopmann said.
"Horse owners should consult their
veterinarian about vaccinating their horses."
In addition to mosquito surveillance, dead
bird testing implemented in May will continue
as a way to detect the presence of the
virus in all areas of the county. The
types of birds to be tested will be dead
blue jays, hawks, and cardinals.
"The good news is that even in areas
where mosquitoes are more likely to be
carrying the virus, it's very unlikely
that a person will become sick from a
mosquito bite," said Mark Guidry,
M.D., MPH, Galveston County Health Authority.
"Less than 1 percent of those bitten
by infected mosquitoes become severely
ill. Our message has not changed. Be aware
of West Nile Virus, and practice the 4D's
of prevention."
For more information call the Galveston
County Health District (409 )938-2345
or visit
www.texaswestnile.org.
read
the press release
For More Information
Contact:
Kurt Koopmann
Public Information Officer
Galveston County Health District
(409) 938-2211
kkoopman@gchd.org
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