Limiting mosquito population big step to preventing Zika virus cases
(Op-Ed) By: Senator Carlos Uresti
Our mild winter this year and the recent Spring rains are expected to make for a record year for mosquitos. In addition to the itchy bites and buzzing irritation, mosquitos also pose a significant public health threat. Fortunately, there are steps we can take now to reduce the mosquito populations around our own homes and businesses.
This year, a tropical mosquito-borne virus known as Zika has spread throughout parts of Latin America and is causing concern in Texas and the United States. The Center for Disease Control has recently discovered a causal link between prenatal exposure to a virus known as Zika and babies born with various birth defects, including microcephaly. And while Texas has yet to have a case of Zika from a locally-acquired mosquito bite, the state has had 28 known cases from individuals who had recently traveled to areas with active outbreaks. Zika is passed from person to person by mosquitos after feeding on an actively infected individual. Because of the links to microcephaly and birth defects, pregnant women and those who may become pregnant during peak mosquito season need to be especially vigilant about preventing bites.
Despite all of the recent headlines about Zika, mosquito-borne illnesses are not new in Texas, and proper vigilance can help to prevent the transmission of other diseases such as Chikungunya and Dengue. The Texas Department of State Health Services recommends individuals use EPA-registered insect repellents when working or playing outside, limit outdoor activity during peak mosquito times (early mornings and evenings), and wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
Because the type of mosquito most likely to carry Zika and Dengue in Texas doesn’t travel very far, taking a few hours to clean out areas around your home or business will have a direct impact on the number of disease-carrying mosquitos. Local health departments recommend pouring out any standing water, draining areas where water tends to accumulate, cleaning gutters and piles of leaves and brush, and keeping lids or covers on trash cans, rain barrels, and water tanks. Don’t forget to drain flower pots and check around air conditioning units for pools of condensation.
The Department of State Health Services is working with local health departments to make sure that everyone has a plan for mosquito control this year, and I encourage you to check in with your local leaders to find out what their plan is for your community.
If you have any questions or would like additional information about mosquito prevention, the Zika virus, please visit www.texaszika.org.
Sen. Carlos I. Uresti represents District 19 in the Texas Senate. which covers more than 35,000 square miles and contains all or part of 17 counties, two international ports of entry, ten state parks, 61 school districts, 2700 miles of highways, and more than 23,000 producing oil and gas wells in both the Eagle Ford Shale and Permian Basin. The district is larger than 12 states and 82 Nations, and contains over half of the Texas-Mexico border. Sen. Uresti is proud to serve on the Finance, Natural Resources & Economic Development, Health & Human Services, and Administration Committees and the Legislative Budget Board.
