The Health District urges residents to protect themselves from mosquitoes and the serious diseases they can carry. Mosquito season will continue through the summer months. It is important to use insect repellant during outdoor activities, especially in the morning and evening.
The Texas Department of State Health Services provides a daily count update for the number of Zika cases in Texas. At this time, there are no human cases of Zika in McLennan County. The Waco-McLennan County Health District will continue to update the community on any human cases of mosquito-borne diseases in McLennan County.
For recent lists of mosquito-borne disease case counts in McLennan County, visit the Epidemiology Page under the Reports tab.
The Center for Disease Control has issued a travel warning for regions and countries where Zika transmission is ongoing.
The Health District is working with McLennan County and the cities within the County to eliminate mosquito breeding sites by monitoring municipal properties for stagnant water and other potential mosquito habitats. Larvicide, debris removal and landscaping are all methods that can be used by cities to eliminate breeding sites.
The best way to protect you and yourself from mosquitoes is to follow the 4 Ds of protection.
Always use mosquito repellant when you are outside.
The Health District urges people to monitor their property for any standing water because mosquitoes need only a small amount of water to develop their eggs into adult mosquitoes.
A female mosquito lays up to 200 eggs at one time. It only takes 7 -14 days for an egg to hatch and become another flying mosquito. Elimination of potential mosquito breeding habitats is a critical key for mosquitos in McLennan County.
Choose a mosquito repellent that has been registered by the Environmental Protection Agency. Registered products have been reviewed, approved, and pose minimal risk for human safety when used according to label directions.
Three repellents that are approved and recommended are:
2011: 0 cases
2012: 43 cases (West Nile Virus)
2013: 0 cases
2014: 1 case (West Nile Virus)
2015: 0 cases 2016: 8 (5 West Nile, travel related - Chikungunya, Malaria, Dengue)
Information on West Nile Virus