What is West Nile virus?

West Nile virus (WNV) is most commonly transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. You can reduce your risk of being infected with WNV by using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing to prevent mosquito bites. There are no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent WNV infection. Unfortunately, most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. About 1 in 5 people who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms. Less than 1% of infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, neurologic illness. West Nile virus (WNV) is a disease that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on the blood from infected birds.The infected mosquitoes can then transmit WNV to humans and animals. West Nile disease can vary in severity. People 50 years of age and older have the highest risk of severe disease.

What is the Zika virus?
The Zika virus is a potential threat not just in Florida but throughout the country. Currently those who contract the virus only experience mild symptoms for a week, but it is potentially dangerous to pregnant women in that it is associated with birth defects. Experts state that the best way to prevent an outbreak is a proactive effort in communicating from the local level. The best method for avoiding the Virus is to avoid mosquito bites.

HELPFUL LINKS

• cdc.gov/zika/prevention/index.html
• cdc.gov/zika/index.html
• texaszika.org
• texaszika.org/prevention.htm
• cdc.gov/zika/index.html
• cdc.gov/westnile/index.html

Informative Literature regarding the Zika Virus:

• Zika Precautions for Women - Publication outlining the most important steps women can take to protect themselves and their unborn children from Zika.
• What Texans Need to Know About Zika Virus - General information about Zika, what causes it, whether you should be worried, and how to stop it. (Spanish Version) 
• Mosquitoes and the Diseases they Transmit - Overview of all important disease carrying mosquitoes in Texas.  Revised in 2016. (Spanish Version)
• Buzz Off - A quick safety reminder for yourself, friends and family.
• Do-it-yourself Backyard Mosquito Control - Overview of all the mosquito control options available to you as a consumer.

 The City of Pearland does not spray for mosquitoes. To request spraying, please click on the link below for the county you live in: 

Brazoria County

Harris County

Ft. Bend County 

For more information on West Nile virus click here.

Helpful information can be found on the Centers for Disease Control website.