City Health Officials Taking Measures to Prevent West Nile
By
KGNS News
Story Created:
Aug 10, 2012 at 4:27 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Aug 10, 2012
West Nile cases are being reported across the Lone Star State.
And this week Dallas County issued a state of emergency, saying the spread of the West Nile virus has become an epidemic.
Luckily, no cases have been reported here in Laredo but the health department continues spraying pesticides in areas where mosquitoes could be breeding so the West Nile problem doesn’t show up here.
And as our Annette Garcia reports, there are things all of us can do to stay protected.
Over 160 people already affected in Dallas County, at least 9 there have died from the West Nile virus.
One case has been reported in San Antonio just about two hours north of here putting many here on alert.
“And then we still spray the health department is still conducting those areas where we see breeding.”
Even the state of Tamaulipas is seeing an outbreak except in Nuevo Laredo, which has not seen a single case.
“They are more aggressive in spraying I talked to Mr. Gutierrez and they’ve also beefed up their preventative measures.”
Doctor Gonzalez says the public there is being informed about protecting themselves.
In a mild case West Nile can bring flu like symptoms of fever and aches and pains.
But in serious cases breathing problems and death.
Most cases have no symptoms.
Laredo health officials say not one case of the mosquito-spread disease has been reported here in over three years but that could change is precautions aren't taken.
“For the most part is symptomatic. We still want people to take precautions make sure your repellant if you cut your yard get rid of standing water.”
City health officials say your backyard can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Even the smallest little object can create the biggest problem.
“Getting rid of standing water. Having clean yards covering your trash.”
Gonzalez says prevention is key.
