Kingsville's Health Department Responding to West Nile
City of Kingsville
KINGSVILLE, TEXAS (News Release) – Kingsville City Health Director Emilio Garcia is notifying the public that a mosquito, trapped Tuesday, August 27, 2024, has tested positive for West Nile Virus. In response to the detection of the West Nile virus, crews will begin spraying the impacted locations once weather permits. The operation will continue for three days. The infected mosquito was trapped in 700 Block of E. Huisache Avenue.
The City of Kingsville Health Department traps mosquitos monthly in order to send samples to the Texas Department of State Health Services lab in Austin for arbovirus testing.
There are currently no identified human West Nile infections in our region. Many people impacted by West Nile Virus will be asymptomatic or develop mild flu-like illness, however, in rare cases, West Nile Virus infection can cause central nervous system damage and even death.
City staff are working closely with region 11 to assure the City Health Department response reduces the threat of West Nile Virus transmission. “This is the second case of West Nile Virus detected in Kleberg County this season, we want the community to know that testing and three-day responsive spraying operations should significantly decrease the risk of transmission,” said Garcia “that response, coupled with recommended mosquito bite prevention practices should help keep the community safe.”
Once the three-day spraying operation is complete, crews will trap mosquitos in the impacted areas again to retest mosquito pools at those specific sites.
The community is urged to follow previously recommended mosquito bite prevention practices by avoiding outdoor activity at dawn and dusk when mosquitos are most active. For outdoor activity during these time frames, the health department recommends residents wear long pants and long sleeves and use a mosquito repellant that contains DEET.
You can also help prevent mosquitos breeding around your home and business by clearing any standing water on your property. Buckets, tires and bird feeders facilitate mosquito breeding.
It’s a good idea to keep your lawn maintained to curb mosquito breeding. Neighboring counties have also detected positive West Nile Virus mosquito pools this summer, so, it is suggested residents follow mosquito bite prevention practices whether at home or visiting neighboring communities.
