Mega Doctor News
EL PASO, Texas – The Department of Public Health is urging residents to prevent mosquito breeding and mosquito bites in order to avoid disease.
Certain individuals such as the elderly and those with medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and people who have received organ transplants are at higher risk of developing serious illnesses transmitted from mosquito bites like West Nile Virus, Zika, etc.
The City’s Vector Control Program managed by the Environmental Services Department provides mosquito control services to protect the El Paso community and surrounding municipalities from vector-borne illnesses. Activities include:
· Fogging public rights-of-way
· Trapping and sampling mosquitoes for potential diseases
· Treating and monitoring bodies of water for infestations
· Addressing stagnant water concerns
The Vector Control Team raises mosquito abatement awareness through educational outreach to the community. To request a presentation about mosquito control, call (915) 212-6000.
El Pasoans can also help ‘fight the bite’ and protect themselves and our loved ones from mosquitoes by using these prevention methods (4Ds):
· DEET – Use insect repellents that contain DEET when outdoors.
· DRESS – Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors.
· DUSK & DAWN – Although mosquitoes associated with Zika can be active throughout the day, residents should take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours (from dusk to dawn) or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.
· DRAIN – Drain standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, and birdbaths. After rains or lawn watering, residents are asked to “tip and toss” any standing water they find outside.
Residents can report mosquito breeding and standing water by calling 3-1-1. For more information on mosquito prevention visit ephealth.com or call 2-1-1.
