City to distribute mosquito pesticide

Insect killer part of plan to prevent spread of the Zika virus in Kingwood area

Several City of Houston departments are working to eliminate mosquitoes in several communities to help stop the spread of the Zika virus.

The virus is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito.

The mosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters and live indoors and outdoors, usually near people. It is possible that the Zika virus could be passed from mother to fetus during pregnancy. It has been linked to microcephaly, a serious birth defect of the brain in babies of mothers who had the virus while pregnant.

On June 21, the city announced plans to distribute 10 pallets of Ortho Bug B Gon insect killer to help eliminate the mosquito population. The pesticide is distributed free on a first-come, first-served basis.

It also is available this week at the City of Houston Mobile Permitting Center at Foster Elementary School, 1800 Trailwood Village Drive, as well as several other multiservice centers in the Houston area.

The donation, which is roughly equal to 3,600 bottles of product, is an outdoor insect killer and is to be used only on lawns and gardens.

“This is not an insect repellent,” said Porfirio Villarreal, spokesman for the city health department.

“This is not the kind you’d spray on yourself.

“The department has distributed insect repellent to certain neighborhoods in town.”

Villarreal said the city is not testing for mosquitoes that carry the West Nil virus.

“Currently the city of Houston isn’t testing for the West Nile virus,” he said.

“We have not had any human cases yet this year in the City of Houston.”

West Nile can cause encephalitis or inflammation of the brain or meningitis, inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord.

Between 2002 to 2015, the city has documented several cases of that virus.

Villarreal said West Nile typically shows up in July and August, which will then signal the need for testing and greater monitoring.

Since February, the Solid Waste Department has been conducting weekend sweeps of illegal dump sites to reduce mosquito breeding sites and combat the spread of disease.

It has hauled away 3,000 tons of debris and 19,000 tires.

Houston Mayor Sylvestor Turner is hoping for funding from the state of Texas to help cover the increased costs the City is incurring.

“The immediate concern is to fight the spread of Zika in Houston. Concerns were definitely brought to the council member’s attention following the Tax Day and Memorial floods this year,” said Lauren Laake, chief of staff for councilman Dave Martin.

“Council member Martin worked closely with the Mayor’s office to request this product specifically for residents affected and has also been working with Harris County Commissioner Jack Cagle’s office to have the area sprayed for mosquitos.”

So far, there have been six documented cases of Zika in Houston, with others reported in unincorporated Harris County.

There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine available to treat Zika virus.

The best way to avoid Zika virus infection is to prevent mosquito bites.

Residents need to do their part by draining standing water and keep hedges trimmed.

Residents also should also dress in long pants and long sleeves, keep windows and screens repaired and use air conditioning.

When outside, spray exposed skin with mosquito repellent containing DEET, reapply as necessary and use netting to protect babies in strollers or car seats. For more information

Details: www.houstontx.gov/health/Epidemiology/HHD_Fact_Sheet. pdf.