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Commissioner Noack responds to West Nile virus fatality with aerial spraying plan

By: Donna Wick Publicity
| Published 08/16/2014

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THE WOODLANDS, Texas - This week, the West Nile virus claimed the life of a South Montgomery County resident, the first local fatality from the disease in 2014, according to the Montgomery County Public Health District. In response, Commissioner James Noack of Precinct 3 announced on Wednesday, Aug. 13, that his office is seeking approval from state agencies and the Federal Aviation Administration to begin aerial spraying for mosquitoes.

“We want to do all we can to reduce the mosquito population and to protect the citizens of Precinct 3,” Noack says. “We have to pursue the proper protocols, but we would like to begin aerial spraying as soon as possible. We have been working hard for months to keep residents safe, and this is the next, necessary step in mosquito control.”

Once it gains approval, Commissioner Noack’s office will publicize the dates and times for areas that will undergo spraying on its web site, Facebook and Twitter.

Montgomery County Precinct 3 officials have run a comprehensive mosquito-abatement program this summer to protect the public’s health. Commissioner Noack’s representatives tested for mosquitoes in May, and have been spraying areas with heavy adult mosquito populations, eliminating breeding grounds and working to kill larva. The precinct uses a variety of chemical formulations in its efforts to keep mosquitos from developing an immunity to a single treatment. It employs a rotation of chemical treatments when spraying storm drains, streets, driveway culverts and catch basins.

The majority of positive West Nile virus tests in 2014 have been in The Woodlands Township. Commisioner Noack and county leaders ask residents to eliminate standing water on their property to eliminate breeding sites for mosquitoes. They recommend using DEET-based insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and limiting exposure between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

West Nile virus symptoms are similar to the flu, including fever, headache, fatigue, nausea and muscle weakness. Symptoms typically appear five to 15 days from the time of infection, and residents with weakened immune systems, adults over 50 years of age, and the very young are at an increased risk of contracting the virus.

For more information about Montgomery County Precinct 3’s mosquito abatement efforts and the different steps residents can take to protect themselves, visit www.precinct3.org.

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