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HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – There is a growing number of mosquito samples that have been tested positive for West Nile virus in the Division of Mosquitoes and Public Health Vectors of Harris County.
The number has gone from 18 samples Tuesday to 32 Friday.
READ: How to prevent diseases transmitted by mosquitoes
"So we have found West Nile up to now in several mosquito populations around the county," said Chris Fredregill, a field operations officer in the Division of Mosquitoes and Health Vectors Harris County Public Library. "It's normal for this time of year.It's just starting to pick up around this time and is growing slowly as soon as we get positive mosquitoes, we are sending vehicles to treat the area."
Although it may seem that mosquitoes are in full force during the past two weeks, Fredregill says that because of the cold winter in the greater Houston area, their numbers were falling. Now the mosquito population is returning to normal.
The increase in mosquito harvest positive for West Nile is also common in this time of year and the county has a map on its website to show where these samples mosquitoes were found.
Fredregill says, even though your area seems to be free from West Nile, it's important to stay proactive.
The southern house mosquito contracts bird flu and West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes can appear anywhere.
"Just because your area may not be infected with West Nile virus or a mosquito-borne disease, keep your alertness and keep your property clean, keep the water stagnant," he said. Fredregill.
As we head to the 4th of July party, be sure to remember your EPA approved insecticide spray with your sunscreen.
Experts say to have your mosquito repellent most effective, first put on your sunscreen, then wait about 10 minutes. After that, you can apply your insect spray.
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