Galveston County and Cities – With the recent mosquito infestation in Galveston County officials with the Galveston County Health District are reminding people to use precautions to avoid mosquito bites.   

Mosquitoes can carry viruses that cause West Nile, dengue fever, western equine encephalitis, eastern equine encephalitis and St. Louis encephalitis.  So far this year there have been no reported cases of mosquito-borne illness in Galveston County and officials would like to make sure that remains the case.  

“While fall may be around the corner we wouldn’t know it without a calendar,” said Kurt Koopmann the District’s Public Information Officer.  “Temperatures remain high and with the recent rain mosquitoes are very active.”  

Koopmann offers the following precautions to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne infection.

·        Use an insect repellant that contains DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus

·        Drain standing water from around homes.  Empty cans, buckets, tires, rain gutters and flower pot bases regularly.  Change the water in pet bowls, bird baths and wading pools several times a week.

·        Mosquito proof houses.  Make sure door seals are secure and window screens are intact.

·        Limit the amount of time spent outdoors from dusk to dawn when many species of mosquitoes are most active.

·        Cover as much skin as comfortable when outdoors. 

“Of course not every mosquito bite will cause illness,” Koopmann said.  “But it’s still important to take precautions.”  

For more information on mosquito-borne illnesses, readers can call the District’s Epidemiology Department at (409) 938 – 2322. For information on spraying operations Galveston County Mosquito Control can be reached at (800) 842-5622.  

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