Montgomery County Public Health District has reported its first case of Zika virus in the county.
The patient is a Montgomery County resident, a pregnant female living in Porter, Texas. The woman traveled outside the United States to an area known to be a Zika-infected region. The Montgomery County Public Health District continues to ask homeowners to do their part to help fight both the Zika and West Nile Viruses.
According to the Montgomery County Public Health Authority, Dr. Mark E.A. Escott, overseas acquired Zika requires no additional mosquito abatement protocol.
To protect yourself from disease carrying mosquitos:
– Avoid bites by using insect repellants that contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products and follow their directions for use.
– wear long sleeves, pants and socks when outdoors.
– Many mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn and it is good to consider staying indoors during these hours.
– mosquito-proof your home. Empty any standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, birdbaths and any other items holding water on a regular basis.
– Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside and use your Air-conditioning if you have it.
Please see the full press release from the Public Health District for more information about transmission of the virus and protection from mosquitoes.
