BRAZORIA COUNTY, Texas (CW39) – Health officials in Brazoria County have identified West Nile virus in mosquitoes collected from three trap locations near Angleton and Pearland, prompting immediate mosquito control efforts. The detections were announced by the Brazoria County Mosquito Control District, which said crews will spray impacted areas twice nightly over the next three nights.
Where was the West Nile virus detected?
Officials with the city of Pearland and Brazoria County identified and shared the positive mosquito trap sites with the public.
The positive traps were found at:
- County Road 31 and Lakeside in Angleton
- West Orange and Washington in Pearland
- Veterans Drive and Fite Road in Pearland
What is being done to prevent West Nile in the community?
What is Brazoria County doing to prevent spread of West Nile?
Brazoria County is putting out a social media campaign to make the public aware of the findings, adding information about how to prevent spread of and protect yourself from West Nile virus.
The Brazoria County Mosquito Control District said crews will conduct spraying operations twice nightly in the impacted areas for the next three nights. The locations will then be retested next week to determine whether the virus remains present in mosquito populations.
What is the City of Pearland doing to prevent spread of West Nile?
Pearland is stepping up efforts to keep the community safe after the findings in their area, by spraying impacted neighborhoods. “Mosquito control crews will spray those areas twice each night for the next few nights. They will test the areas again next week to make sure the virus is under control,” Pearland.com said.
They also suggest protecting yourself by preventing becoming a target for mosquitos. Pearland.com said “residents are advised to wear bug spray if outside, empty standing water around homes, and stay safe!”
Why do these three local cases of West Nile matter?
The discovery serves as a reminder that mosquito season is well underway across the Houston region and surrounding communities. Officials are continuing surveillance efforts and monitoring conditions in the impacted areas.
Residents near the treatment zones may notice increased mosquito control activity during the evening hours. For now, county officials are focused on reducing mosquito populations and evaluating follow-up testing results expected next week…