May 24, 2013
News
Labor Day Weekend West Nile Virus Advisory
By KGNS News
It's Labor Day Weekend, many of you are enjoying your vacation outdoors.
The City of Laredo Health Department wants to remind the public to take precaution.
A possible danger remains lurking throughout the state.
"Since the increase in cases started two months ago, we have been also spraying," said Director of the Health Department Dr. Hector Gonzalez.
Dr. Gonzalez talks about the precautions the city is taking to prevent any cases of the West Nile Virus here in Laredo.
With the Labor Day Weekend ahead many people choose to spend it outside with friends and family; Gonzalez says use caution.
"Those public access areas that we know are a concern because they traditionally have standing water. there's retention ponds," said Gonzalez.
Gonzalez says not every mosquito carries the virus but they are trying to collect mosquitoes to see just how many in the “Gateway City” will test positive for the virus.
Gonzalez says some residents have questioned what precautions the city is taking to keep people safe.
"We spray at five in the morning because we don't want to expose persons; by seven in the morning we're through spraying."
Keep in mind, the amount of mosquitoes that have the virus is expected to decline in the winter, for those of you who are planning to enjoy the holiday weekend outside, Gonzalez offers this simple advice.
"We would tell those persons who still are anxious wear repellent. that we know works."
Gonzalez says there hasn't been an issue this bad with the West Nile Virus since 2003.
