Concern of the spread of the Zika virus from South America to Southeast Texas is being addressed by Orange County Mosquito Control Director Patrick Beebe. As recently as this week Beebe has been in contact with the state health department concerning the Zika virus.
Beebe said health officials are working to develop a test to detect the Zika virus. He indicated at this time there is not a test available. The Mosquito Control Department will continue to take samples and send them to Austin in the hopes a test will be developed to detect the Zika virus with approach of the spring and summer when mosquitoes begin to swarm.
While the Zika virus has not been detected in Orange County, Beebe admitted the particular mosquito specie associated with transmitting the Zika virus is found in Southeast Texas. Beebe stated that this particular mosquito’s habitat is in standing water found in man-made items such as tires, buckets, and cups.
The Mosquito Control Department is monitoring for this particular mosquito specie. They are increasing sprayings in areas where it is detected to keep the numbers down. Beebe added citizens can do their part to cut down on this mosquito by emptying any standing water from such items as used tires, buckets, cans, and other artificial receptacles on their property.
Normal personal precautions can be taken to prevent mosquito bites. Beebe suggests people wear clothing with long sleeves and long pants, use mosquito repellent, and limit outdoor activities at night when mosquitoes are more active as we enter the peak season for mosquitoes.
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