Fort Bend County reports 83% reduction in mosquitos following aerial spray operations

Fort Bend County has seen smaller mosquito numbers following aerial mosquito control operations.

What residents need to know

Fort Bend County Health & Human Services is reporting a 83% reduction in mosquito activity following aerial mosquito control operations that began in late June following the June 16 issuance of a Declaration of Local Public Health Emergency, officials announced in a July 22 news release.

The declaration came after the county saw mosquito activity “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.

By the numbers

Mosquito trap counts dropped from 109,536 before treatment to 18,711 after treatment, per the release.

Additionally, of the 15 targeted treatment areas, most experienced reductions, although officials said one experienced an increase in mosquito activity.

What they’re saying

Dr. Letosha Gale-Lowe, local health authority and director of Fort Bend County Health & Human Services, said the results demonstrate that the control operation was “highly effective” and the county will continue with its year-round mosquito surveillance efforts.

“Protecting our community requires a science-driven approach, and this significant reduction reflects the value of timely intervention, continuous surveillance and strong community partnerships,” Gale-Lowe said. “While these results are very encouraging, mosquito season is not over, and residents should continue taking steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites.”

Also of note

As of July 1, Fort Bend County Health & Human Services reported 36 mosquito samples and one human case that tested positive for West Nile virus in Fort Bend County.

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

Additional prevention steps include maintaining pools and cleaning gutters as well as ensuring doors and windows are properly screened.