Fort Bend County Health & Human Services officials have reported mosquito activity at levels well above normal seasonal levels, with 1,505 mosquito-related complaints between May 1 and June 2. This is more than twice the number received following Hurricane Beryl.

Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

Mosquito surveillance efforts have documented mosquito trap counts reaching as high as 5,000 mosquitoes in a single collection period. The declaration comes after city of Sugar Land officials shared that three mosquito samples had tested positive for West Nile virus in late May and early June. West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease spread by obtaining a bite from an infected carrier, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There are no known treatments for West Nile, and many of those infected with the virus do not show symptoms, but those who do can exhibit headache, fatigue, nausea, fever, and muscle and joint aches.

Aerial Mosquito Control Operations

The declaration will help the county’s effort to conduct aerial mosquito control operations in areas with high mosquito populations by assisting with coordination and authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration to operate in a restricted or controlled airspace.

Officials are planning for aerial spraying operations to occur early the week of June 22—weather permitting—with treatment schedules subject to adjustment based on rainfall and wind conditions. Fort Bend County Health & Human Services will provide additional information about treatment areas, schedules, and public guidelines as details are finalized.

Original reporting: Community Impact — Sugar Land — read the source article.