JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes have now been identified at all Joint Base San Antonio locations. JBSA-Lackland and JBSA-Randolph were added on Aug. 24.
Three sample pools at Lackland and one sample pool at Randolph tested positive.
JBSA officials also reported on Aug. 23 that three mosquito sample pools from a creek bed on Camp Bullis tested positive.
Officials continue to treat and monitor affected areas on all JBSA installations.
A second round of targeted mosquito fogging with handheld devices was conducted early Friday morning at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston where numerous mosquito pool samples have tested positive for West Nile virus since July 18.
According to experts, 80 percent of patients bitten by West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes will have no symptoms; 20 percent may develop flu-like symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting and occasional rash on the chest and back; and one percent may develop more severe symptoms of meningitis, encephalitis or paralysis. People typically develop symptoms between three and 14 days after they are bitten by an infected mosquito.
Measures to take to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds:
· Not allowing puddles to form on lawns as a result of excessive watering
· Placing tiny holes in the bottom of recycling bins without lids
· Replacing water in birdbaths
· Getting rid of old tires
· Preventing bottles, tin cans, buckets or drums from collecting water
· Wearing a long-sleeve shirt or pants if going outdoors at dawn, dusk or the early evening
· Spraying insect repellent on clothing and rubbing it gently on face, ears, neck and hands, especially if outdoors after dusk or before dawn.
All precautions are being taken to prevent the spread of mosquitoes in the interest of protecting the JBSA populations and surrounding communities.
Call the 559th Medical Group Public Health Office at 671-9623 for Lackland-specific questions or concerns. At Randolph, contact the 359th MDG Public Health section at 652-2456.
For more information on the virus, visit the CDC and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/.
Notice of fogging on Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph
Mosquito surveillance activities have shown that West Nile virus is present on Joint Base San Antonio to include Randolph and a decision to fog with a pesticide to kill infected mosquitoes has been made by local officials. The 902nd Installation Pest Management section began fogging operations Wednesday evening. They plan to fog on Tuesdays and Thursdays at dusk between 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. throughout Randolph housing and surrounding areas. The fogging truck will have a yellow light on top and four-way flashers to help warn base residents it is coming down the street.
Although your chances of experiencing any health effects from fogging are quite low, the following steps will help you reduce possible exposures to insecticides during fogging:
· If possible, remain inside whenever fogging takes place.
· Keep children and pets inside during fogging and for about one hour after fogging.
· Close windows and doors before fogging begins.
· If you must remain outside, avoid eye contact with the fog. If you get insecticide in your eyes, immediately rinse them with water or eye drops.
· Wash exposed skin surfaces with soap and water if you come in contact with the insecticide.
· Rinse homegrown fruits and vegetables thoroughly with water before cooking or eating.
· Cover outdoor tables and play equipment, or wash them with soap and water after they have been fogged.
· Bring laundry and toys inside before fogging begins. (Wash with soap and water if exposed to insecticide during fogging.)
· Bring pets inside, cover ornamental fishponds and pools to avoid direct exposure.
Consult your physician if you think you are experiencing health effects from the spraying, such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, headache or nausea.
NOTE: Fogging will not occur if winds exceed 10 miles per hour or if there is rain. This type of weather impedes the ability of the chemical pesticide to reach and kill the mosquitoes.