ABC-7 Xtra Sunday – Dealing with mosquito-borne diseases in the aftermath of recent storms, flooding

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The heavy rains in recent weeks led to flooding and more as the Borderland braced for the rare remnants of a hurricane coming through our area.

While El Paso may have been spared the worst of the flooding as a whole, the entire region now faces expanded issues in the aftermath.

There are still puddles and pools of standing water, bringing the possibility of mosquito breeding - and health concerns such as West Nile Virus.

So what does it take to deal with this issue, and what do you need to know to keep yourself, your family and our community safe?

Sunday night on ABC-7 Xtra, join host Andrew J. Polk as we hear from the City of El Paso's vector control supervisor and the local health authority.

Tune in Sunday at 10:35 p.m., right after ABC-7 at 10.

To report vector control and mosquito breeding concerns or potholes, use the City of El Paso's 311 program by dialing that number or visiting this website.

Find details on the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry, visit their website here.

The City also encourages everyone follow the four Ds to help prevent mosquito-borne illnesses:

• DEET – Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535, or 2-undecanone when outdoors. Follow label directions.
• DRESS – Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks. Apply repellent to clothing, as mosquitoes can bite through thin fabrics.
• DUSK and DAWN – Limit outdoor activities during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are most active.
• DRAIN – Remove standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet bowls, discarded tires, birdbaths, and other containers. Refresh pet water daily.