Interim Fort Bend County Judge Daniel Wong has issued a Declaration of Local Public Health Emergency as areas across the county have seen large mosquito populations following weeks of rainfall and standing water.
What's happening?
Fort Bend County Health & Human Services officials are reporting mosquito activity is "well above normal seasonal levels" with 1,505 mosquito-related complaints between May 1 and June 2, which is more than twice the number received following Hurricane Beryl, according to a June 16 news release.
Additionally, mosquito surveillance efforts have also documented mosquito trap counts reaching as high as 5,000 mosquitoes in a single collection period.
Zooming in
The declaration will help the county's effort to conduct aerial mosquito control operations in areas with high mosquito populations by assisting with coordination and authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration to operate in a restricted or controlled airspace, per the release.
"Protecting the health, safety and quality of life of Fort Bend County resident is one of our highest responsibilities," Wong said in the news release. "Our Health and Human Services team has documented mosquito activity at levels that require immediate action. This declaration allows us to utilize every available tool to address the problem and provide relief to our communities."
Also of note
The declaration comes after city of Sugar Land officials shared that three mosquito samples had tested positive for West Nile virus in late May and early June.
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease spread by obtaining a bite from an infected carrier, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are no known treatments for West Nile, and many of those infected with the virus do not show symptoms, but those who do can exhibit:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Fever
- Muscle and joint aches
Residents should remember to protect themselves against mosquito bites, especially during dusk and dawn, by dressing in long sleeves and pants, draining standing bodies of water and using insect repellent.
Stay tuned
Officials are planning for aerial spraying operations to occur early the week of June 22—weather permitting—with treatment schedules subject to adjustment based on rainfall and wind conditions, per the release.
Fort Bend County Health & Human Services will provide additional information about treatment areas, schedules and public guidelines as details are finalized.
