SAN ANTONIO – A mosquito discovered in far West Bexar County tested positive for the West Nile virus, officials said.
The mosquito was found inside Loop 1604 on Highway 90 in the Kriewald area in Precinct 1.
As a result of the discovery, Bexar County Public Works crews will increase its mosquito abatement program. Crews treated the area where the discovery was made with larvicide and notified residents
about it and asked them to take precautions in and around their homes.
"I ask all residents to remain on guard," Pct. 1 Commissioner Sergio "Chico" Rodriguez said. "Apply mosquito repellent to yourselves and your children, limit your time outside, if possible, and please check around your home for any mosquito breeding areas."
Public Works crews have treated more than 4,200 acres of public ditches, various public rights of way and drains, standing water and county parks with larvicide on standing water and routine nighttime fogging throughout the summer, officials said.
Officials urged residents to take the following precautions for mosquito protection:
- Drain standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.
- Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.
- Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren't being used.
- Empty and clean birdbaths, pet water bowls at least once or twice a week.
- Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don't accumulate water.
- Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
- Cover skin with clothing or repellent.
- Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeves.
- Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.
For more information on mosquito-borne disease activity including West Nile, click here.
