As summer temperatures rise, so does the likelihood of mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus and Zika virus. The City of Manvel wants to educate residents on ways to reduce the risk of mosquito bites and prevent the spread of these dangerous illnesses through the “Fight the Bite” campaign.
Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance— they can also carry dangerous diseases such as West Nile virus and Zika virus. West Nile virus is a disease that can cause flu-like symptoms and even lead to severe neurological damage, and Zika virus can cause birth defects in babies born to mothers infected with the virus.
To prevent the spread of these illnesses, remember the four “D”s to Fight the Bite:
- DEFEND against mosquitos by using insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- DRAIN standing water from your home and yard. Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so be sure to remove any standing water on your property. This includes buckets, bird baths, flowerpots, and any other containers that can hold water.
- DRESS in long sleeves and pants to prevent bites.
- DUSK & DAWN are when mosquitoes are most active. Stay indoors during these highly active times.
Brazoria County Mosquito Control also works to combat mosquito populations by spraying insecticide in public areas. You can find their spray schedule posted on their website. If you are experiencing an issue with mosquitoes that you would like to report, you can submit a mosquito spraying service request online.
The health and safety of our residents is a top priority, and the city encourages everyone to follow these simple steps to protect themselves and their families from mosquito-borne illnesses.
For more information on how to Fight the Bite, visit cityofmanvel.com/bite.