In a press release Tuesday, the City of Lubbock advised citizens to be mindful of potential illnesses caused by mosquitoes around the area.
According to the release, both St. Louis Encephalitis virus and West Nile Virus have been reported in mosquitoes across Lubbock County. The city reported that the Biological Threat Research Lab at Texas Tech notified the health department about the viruses presence in Lubbock. Following the confirmation, Vector Control will attempt to mediate the risk of the diseases through extermination.
The city reminded individuals to take precautions against mosquito bites, stating that individuals can get infected with the illnesses without showing symptoms. Additionally, people who suspect they may have either illness are encouraged to immediately talk with their healthcare provider.
City officials said that citizens who want more information on the diseases can visit the CDC website using the links, here and here.
The full list of mosquito prevention methods provided by the City of Lubbock is below:
- Wearing an EPA registered insect repellent
- Wear long sleeves and pants outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk
- Keeping mosquitoes out of living areas by using air conditioning or intact window screens
- Limiting outdoor activities during peak mosquito times. Mosquitos are active until overnight temperatures begin to drop consistently below 60°F
- Dumping standing water around your home
- Maintain yards, alleyways, water retention basins and playa lakes by mowing and trimming vegetation
