Posted on

Vector keeping WM mosquito population in check

Vector keeping  WM mosquito population in check

Share

Vector keeping WM mosquito population in check

Threat of Zika under control as season winds down

news@theeveningtimes.com

While the country buzzes about the threats of Zika, a local expert said so far so good for West Memphis.

Ernest English with Vector Disease Control told City Council there has not been much of a problem this year.

Vector takes a mosquito census, trapping mosquitos around the city. The bugs are counted and analyzed for mosquito born diseases like West Nile and Zika.

This year, as far as mosquitos that can make someone sick, Vector hadn’t trapped any this season.

So far so good according to English.

“We are good this year,” said English. “The counts are down, no disease to report.”

The company is working hard to suppress the pests.

Aerial spraying has been on going since May 20. Mosquito trucks have blanketed the city five evenings a week. Vector took unprecedented steps to reduce mosquito population because of the new threat from Zika.

“We concentrated on going house to house with foot work,” said English.

“We are trying to get into places where mosquitoes breed like artificial containers around the house.”

Wrecking yards, tire piles, abandoned cars, and swimming pools were targeted by Vector.

English explained how the Zika virus could spread from travelers returning home from areas known to have a Zika problem.

“Once an infected mosquito bites you and you come back and have another mosquito bight youit transfers like that,” said English.

By John Rech

LAST NEWS
Scroll Up