El Paso, Texas – The Code Compliance Division of the City of El Paso Environmental Services Department announced today that another pool of mosquitoes collected in West El Paso has tested positive for the West Nile virus.
The mosquito samples were collected in the Zip Code 79932 on Aug. 31, and shipped to the state for testing. The Texas Department of State Health Services today confirmed that the samples tested positive for the West Nile virus.
So far this year, six pools of mosquitoes collected in El Paso County have tested positive for the West Nile virus.
El Paso County has had 10 reported human case of the West Nile disease to date.
Code Compliance Inspectors assigned to vector control are applying pesticides to the neighborhood where the mosquitoes that tested positive for West Nile were collected. They will also aggressively treating areas throughout El Paso County where mosquitoes are likely to breed, such as reservoirs, culverts and ditches.
Citizens can do their share to help us prevent mosquito breeding by:
Removing any standing water they may have outside their homes and businesses.
Trimming the weeds and the vegetation on their property and nearby sidewalks, alleys and parkways. Tall weeds and grass serve as shelter for mosquitoes.
Getting rid of any tin cans, jars, plastic containers, plant pots and any other containers that can hold stagnant water.
Properly disposing of old tires.
Making sure roof gutters drain properly.
Keeping all swimming pools cleaned and chlorinated even if they are not being used.
Removing any standing water from culverts.
Storing plastic wading pools, buckets, barrels and wheelbarrows upside down so that the water cannot accumulate in them.
Frequently changing the water in birdbaths and pet dishes.
Aerating ornamental ponds or stock them with fish.
Keeping their yards trim. Weeds, tall grass and shrubbery provide an outdoor home for mosquitoes.
The public should call the Code Compliance Division at 774-4500 to report mosquito breeding sites.
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