[Students] Health Alert

[Derek Preas]

Testing conducted by the City of Commerce and Texas A&M University - Commerce through the Department of State Health Services has identified one of the recent mosquito samples as being positive for the St. Louis Encephalitis Virus (SLEV) in Commerce. There have been no confirmed cases of human infection in Commerce. The city will begin spraying in the areas of concern and the intervals of samples being sent off will increase.

St. Louis encephalitis is a rare disease that is caused by a virus spread by infected mosquitoes. SLEV is not transmitted directly from person to person. Symptoms often include fever, headache, stiff neck, disorientation, and altered level of consciousness. Coma, convulsions, and paralysis may also occur.

Prevention
There is no vaccine against St. Louis Encephalitis virus (SLEV). Reducing exposure to mosquitoes is the best defense against infection with SLEV and other mosquito-borne viruses.  There are several approaches you and your family can use to prevent and control mosquito-borne diseases.

Use repellent: When outdoors, use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin as well as on clothing (mosquitoes will bite through thin cloth).

Wear protective clothing: Wear long sleeves, pants and socks when weather permits.

Avoid peak biting hours: Avoid outdoor activity or use protective measures when mosquitoes are active (Culex mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn).

Install and repair screens: Have secure, intact screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.

Keep mosquitoes from laying eggs near you: Mosquitoes can lay eggs even in small amounts of standing water. Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets, barrels, and tires. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Empty children's wading pools and store on their side after use.

For further information, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/sle/general/qa.html or contact the Department of Safety and Risk Management.



Ethan Derek Preas | Director
Department of Safety and Risk Management | Texas A&M University-Commerce
Derek.Preas at tamuc.edu<mailto:Derek.Preas at tamuc.edu>

P.O. Box 3011 | Commerce, Tx 75429-3011
Tel. 903.468.8781 | Cell 903.268.1145 | Fax 903.468.8189 | www.tamuc.edu<http://www.tamuc.edu>

Texas A&M University-Commerce

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