Mosquito-Borne Illness
The Texas Education Agency has asked all Texas school districts to help raise awareness of mosquito-borne illnesses such as Zika, West Nile and dengue.
Zika Virus Protection and Prevention
Measures for Individuals to Protect Themselves from Mosquito Bites
wear insect repellent,
cover up with long-sleeved shirts and long pants,
keep mosquitoes out with air conditioning or intact window screens,
limit outdoor activities during peak mosquito times.
Measures for Individuals to Prevent Mosquito Breeding
At least weekly, carefully check the area around your home, school or workplace for mosquito breeding areas:
clear and empty gutters;
empty or get rid of cans, buckets, old tires, pots, plant saucers and other containers that hold water;
remove standing water around structures and from flat roofs;
change water in pet dishes daily;
rinse and scrub vases and other indoor water containers weekly;
change water in wading pools and bird baths several times a week;
maintain backyard pools or hot tubs;
cover trash containers;
water lawns and gardens carefully so water does not stand for several days;
screen rain barrels and openings to water tanks or cisterns; and
treat front and back door areas of homes with residual insecticides if mosquitoes are abundant nearby.
If mosquito problems persist, consider pesticide applications for vegetation around the home.
Measures to Protect Communities from Zika Virus
conduct neighborhood outreach about active precautions individuals can take to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites;
initiate or enhance monitoring and surveillance of mosquito activity;
develop a local contingency plan for mosquito abatement and surveillance, and plan for additional control measures if needed;
keep public drains and ditches clear of weeds and trash so water will not collect;
implement efforts to clean up illegal dump sites and collect heavy trash; and
encourage people to report illegal dumpsites and standing water, and respond quickly to these complaints.