AMARILLO – Summer may be winding down, but the Amarillo community must stay vigilant against the dangers posed by mosquitoes and West Nile virus.
“With kids back in school, it is easy to shift our focus to fall, but we’re still in the middle of prime mosquito-breeding weather,” said City of Amarillo (COA) Director of Environmental Health Anthony Spanel. “Mosquitoes thrive in warm conditions, which makes the mosquito season in Amarillo run from April through November.
“We must remain aware of the ongoing threat that mosquitoes pose, particularly with illnesses they can transmit, such as the West Nile virus, which is currently the most prevalent concern in our area.”
The COA Environmental Health Department treats over 100 sites across the city and operates a comprehensive surveillance program to monitor and test mosquito populations for diseases. Several sites, including the Sundown Lane area and the intersection of 58th Ave. and Georgia Street, have shown mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus.
Residents can help reduce the mosquito population and protect themselves from illness by following the “Four D’s:”
- Drain all standing water to eliminate mosquito breeding areas.
- Dress in long sleeves and pants when outdoors.
- Defend using repellant containing with DEET.
- Daily: Apply these preventative measures every day.
To report potential mosquito breeding areas, residents can contact the COA Environmental Health Department at (806) 378-9472 or via email at ehealth@amarillo.gov.
Mosquito prevention tips can be found at: bit.ly/44oUz23