Texas Border Project
Edinburgh – The Hidalgo County Commission Court voted to extend the Disaster Declaration issued last week by Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez.
Judge Cortez’s Disaster Declaration came into effect immediately last week and was in effect for seven days. The committee court had the option to extend the effective date, which did so on Thursday. The latest declaration continues until it is concluded by formal voting by the Commission Court.
Hidalgo County Drainage District #1 reports that floodwaters are mostly mitigated, but the next focus for Hidalgo County is mosquito management, led by the Hidalgo County Health and Human Services department.
The Hidalgo County Vector Control Task Force, a collaboration between HCHHSD and local governments such as Mission, McAllen, Pharr and Weslaco, has begun an aggressive approach to dealing with the rise in mosquito populations following flooding. The task force deploys larvae combinations to treat standing water and adults to reduce the number of mature mosquitoes.
HCHHSD coordinates with offices in all four county districts to ensure full coverage for rural areas outside the city’s scope. Starting Monday, April 7th, HCHHSD will begin an adult effort, with treatment scheduled every other night, between 10pm and 2am, depending on weather conditions. A detailed map of coverage areas and treatment dates will be posted on the department’s social media platform. Residents within city restrictions are encouraged to contact the city’s Vector Management Department for additional information.
“The public health threats are spreading right after the flood,” said Daireen Sarmiento Rangel, director of Hidalgo County Health and Human Services. “We prioritize the health and safety of Hidalgo County residents by addressing the expected surge in mosquito populations with comprehensive mosquito management efforts.”
Mosquitoes can transmit several serious diseases, including West Nile virus, St. Louis Encephalitis virus (SLEV), and dengue fever. These diseases can pose serious health risks to residents, particularly in rich conditions, especially when water creates ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Residents are encouraged to take precautions to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, including:
-Eliminate standing water around your home by regularly checking the water in containers, grooves, tires, and other outdoor items that can collect water.
– Use of insect repellents containing ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, and lemon eucalyptus oil.
– I wear long-sleeved clothing and pants, especially during peak mosquito activity hours (dawn and dusk).
– If symptoms related to mosquito-borne diseases such as fever, rash, or muscle or joint pain develop, medical treatment is required.
“Preventing mosquito-borne diseases is important,” Sarmient Wrangel said. “Working together will reduce the health risks posed by an increase in mosquito populations in our community.”
To further information or report public health concerns, residents can contact the Hidalgo County Health and Human Services Department at 956-383-6221 or access the department’s social media platform for up-to-date information on mosquito management efforts and coverage areas.
See the declaration below.
