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No cases of Zika virus reported in McLennan County

Posted at 6:42 PM, Jun 07, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-07 19:42:26-04

There are no cases Zika Virus, West Nile Virus or any other mosquito-borne illnesses in McLennan County, according to the McLennan County Public Health Department.  

Recent rains have created stagnant water all across Central Texas, creating a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

"Mosquitoes have to water to breed and we've obviously had a lot of that lately,” Mickie Fell, Co-Owner of iPest Solutions Pest Control.

Fell said the company’s technicians have been busy over the course of the last month. The company uses a fogging method to get rid of the mosquitoes in the area. They offer it to their customers as a monthly service.

"We've been getting several calls on a daily basis about mosquito control treatments for our residential customers,” Fell said.

Kelly Craine with the Waco-McLennan County Health District said the county has not seen any cases of a mosquito-borne illness this year, but they are keeping an eye on it until the mosquito season ends in October.

“You just never know. You just always have to be vigilant. You always have to be aware that there are mosquitoes out there and they could be spreading diseases,” Craine said.

Mosquitoes have a short flight range. They usually only fly about 150 yards away from where they hatch. They will typically be found in areas where water sits, like bird baths and swimming pools.

Craine and Fell said taking steps to avoid getting bit by mosquitoes is key.

The health district recommends following tips to protect yourself from mosquitoes:

  • DEFEND: Use insect repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Follow the label instructions. Be sure to reapply the repellent often.
  • DRAIN: Be sure to drain any standing water in your yard and neighborhood. Make sure that flower pots, water dishes, bird baths and wading pools are properly drained so they are not a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
  • DAY AND NIGHT: Different mosquitoes bit at different times of the day. Always have insect repellent available.
  • DRESS: Wear long sleeves, pants, loose and light-colored clothing when outdoors.

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