After weeks of persistent rainfall and widespread standing water, a public health emergency was declared in Fort Bend County on Tuesday by interim County Judge Daniel Wong due to a surge in mosquito populations.
“Our health and human services team has documented mosquito activity at levels that require immediate action,” Wong said in a press release. “This declaration allows us to utilize every available tool to address the problem and provide relief to our communities.”
Health officials have documented mosquito trap counts as high as 5,000 in a single collection period, which far exceeds typical high-season levels. As a result, aerial spraying operations are expected to occur early next week, weather permitting, with treatment schedules subject to adjustment based on rainfall and weather conditions. The aerial mosquito sprays will be conducted by licensed operators in accordance with federal and state regulations and environmental guidelines, according to a press release from Wong’s office.
Maria Alanis-Caireli is a communications coordinator with Fort Bend County’s Health and Human Services office and told Houston Public Media that they’re currently mapping the locations for aerial spraying in areas where mosquito populations have reached “extraordinary levels”, with finalized details expected to be released on Thursday.
The county’s mosquito control teams are conducting what they call extensive ground-based treatment operations and will continue once aerial spraying begins.
This comes as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 101 Texas counties on Monday, including Harris, Fort Bend, Galveston, Montgomery and some other Houston-area counties due to flood risks.
A flood watch was issued through Thursday morning in Southeast Texas by the National Weather Service, where officials are estimating rainfall amounts of 4 to 7 inches. Some areas could experience 10-plus inches of rain throughout the week, with rates of 2 to 5 inches per hour.
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