Sugar Land resident to have positive results for West Nile virus

SUGAR LAND, Texas (KTRK) –

The city of Sugar Land says it increases mosquito sprays twice a week after a resident has tested positive for West Nile virus.

Health officials are now concerned that the cumulative effects of continuous rainy weather are dramatically increasing the mosquito population.

"It has been very humid, which provides a lot of breeding grounds for mosquitoes," said Dr. Michael Chang of Hermann's Children's Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Chang says that Houston is already predisposed to an explosion of mosquito populations.

"Because we have some kind of mosquito population, so it's enough for the mosquito population to increase quite rapidly," said Dr. Chang.

That's why Southeastern Texas areas feel these bites.

Dr. Chang says that the best protection is an insect repellent with DEET, but there are also other natural ways to keep mosquitoes in check.

Planting basil, lemongrass, rosemary and marigolds around your home will help deter pesky insects without chemicals.

The life cycle of mosquitoes is several weeks, which means that this increased population may continue for months as each population breeds.

"You know that a female mosquito can lay a lot, a lot of eggs, and that's all it takes, that's a bit of extra breeding," he said. Dr. Chang.

The CDC recommends four following rules for mosquito prevention: drain all standing water, use a DEET repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and avoid going out at dawn or dusk.

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