SAN ANTONIO — A health alert for you today. Two mosquitos found in Bexar County by Public Works tested positive for the West Nile virus. The County is now stepping up efforts to control the spread.
On top of current fogging efforts in County public rights of way and in County parks, Public Works crews are aggressively treating the areas with a multitude of mosquito abatement efforts. Such as fogging early in the morning when mosquitos are most active.
"They're also doubling their efforts and going to those areas where we found these mosquitoes and treat those with fogging. They're going to be dropping larvicide, like those mosquito chunk tablets," said Isaac Neri, the Bexar County Assistant Public Information Officer.
The first mosquito to test positive for West Nile was found near Glen Fair Drive in a drainage channel. And the second in the western part of unincorporated County just inside Loop 1604 at US 90 in the Kriewald area.
The County says in addition to stepping up abatement efforts they are intensifying outreach and education.
"Our Office of Emergency Management, they going out to those residents, that are potentially in the surrounding areas. And we go out there and inform the community about the situation and what they can do to prevent any further mosquito bites," said Neri.
When it comes to water, remember to pour it out and drain standing water to stop mosquitos from multiplying. Drain standing water from anywhere it has collected outside. Discard old tires, drums and other items that aren't being used. Maintain swimming pools in good condition and make sure they are appropriately chlorinated.
To protect yourself, cover skin with clothing or repellent. For clothing wear shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeves. Especially for those who must work in areas where mosquitos are present, apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.
"I know it's hot, but for the safety of those residents, it's recommended that they wear long sleeves as well," Neri said.