Neighbors in 79925 Zip Code Deal With West Nile
Posted: 8:28 pm MDT August 25, 2008Updated: 12:05 pm MDT August 26, 2008
EL PASO, Texas -- Robert Segura enjoys spending time with his two sons in Eastwood Park, also known as Album park. . But before he pushes his sons on the swings, he does something else first. "We put mosquito repellent on the boys,” said Segura.And that may be a good idea considering all three cases of West Nile in the city are coming from his east El Paso neighborhood in the 79925 zip code. The latest victim was a 42 year-old woman, who health officials say is recovering at home. "Yeah we do kind of worry a little,” said Segura. “But not too much."Health department officials said the city hasn’t exactly pinpointed why all the cases come from the 79925 zip code, but the have an idea."There's water out there somewhere,” said Deputy Director of the El Paso Department of Health Dr. Bobby Jones, referring to standing water, which is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. “Pools is what they think might be the cause."Many neighbors told KFOX that they believe the pond at Album may help mosquitoes breed. They said after heavy rains, the water sits there."After a while it does smell,” said Christine Anchondo. “Pets, even kids are attracted to it."City officials said Album park has a designated pond which serves as recreation and it helps with flooding. They said the pond is not meant to be drained. City officials said minnows are placed in the water and they are spraying the 79925 zip code as well as setting light traps.But before you let the mosquitoes bug you, one neighbor has some advice that may help bite back."You're supposed to eat garlic and onions, it's a trick I learned in the Marine Corps.,” said Joseph Lacapria. “It puts an enzyme in your blood and makes your skin stink, so bugs don't like you," he explained.Symptoms of west nile include fever, headache and stiffness of the neck, health department officials said. They recommend people avoid standing water and using bug repellent to ward off mosquitoes. Jones said mosquitos carrying West Nile are most likely to bite at sunrise and sunset.
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