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August 1, 2012

Second batch of West Nile mosquitoes reported

Mary Meaux The Port Arthur News

PORT ARTHUR — For the second time in just less than a month, mosquitoes in Port Arthur have tested positive for the West Nile virus.

 Kevin Sexton, mosquito control director for Jefferson County, said the batch of mosquitoes which tested positive were located at El Paso Avenue and 19th Street.

“This is the second batch this year that have tested positive, both of which were in Port Arthur,” Sexton said. “We will step-up spraying.”

The department uses two small single engine planes, one large double engine plane and vehicles to spray for the insects across the county. The department upped their spraying schedule early last month after a batch of mosquitoes found in a trap near Grannis Avenue and West Fifth Street tested positive for the virus. The spraying knocked the mosquito population down, Sexton said.

“We want people to continue to take precautionary measures,” he said. “Empty out any containers in your yard, wear long sleeve shirts and long pants and wear repellent. We want people to be a little more vigilant but don’t want to alarm anybody.”

There have been no animal or human cases of West Nile reported and this is the first time in several years that local mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile.

For information about Jefferson County Mosquito Control Division, log on to http://co.jefferson.tx.us/jcmcd/summary.htm or call 719-5940.

 

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