The city of Sugar Land has confirmed the presence of West Nile virus at a mosquito trap located in the 4400 block of Elkins Drive. The mosquitoes were trapped last week, and Sugar Land was notified today that at least one tested positive for West Nile.

The city has increased mosquito spraying to twice per week citywide and will continue working closely with the Texas Department of State Health Services to trap and test mosquitos for the presence of the West Nile virus. The traps supplement the city’s larvicide and mosquito spraying operations.

Humans can contract West Nile virus from a mosquito bite. Infected mosquitoes get the virus from feeding on infected birds. The virus can cause serious illness or death.
Dr. Joe Anzaldua, the city’s medical director and health authority, urges residents to take precautions to reduce West Nile exposure.

“Residents should use insect repellent whenever they are outdoors and avoid going outside at dusk and dawn when mosquitos are most active,” said Anzaldua, who added that the city of Sugar Land has a comprehensive monitoring and testing program intended to keep the public safe. “People over 50 years old and those with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill if infected with the virus. If people have symptoms that cause them concern, they should contact their healthcare provider immediately.”
There are no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent West Nile virus infection. Symptoms may include a stiff neck, vision problems, body tremors, mental confusion, memory loss and seizures. The milder form of the illness is West Nile Fever. Symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle and bone aches, nausea and drowsiness. People with the milder form of the illness typically recover on their own, although symptoms may last for several weeks. Up to 80 percent of people infected with West Nile virus will have no symptoms and will recover on their own. Anyone with questions or concerns should contact their doctor.

The Texas Department of State Health Services recommends practicing the “Four Ds” as precautionary measures:

• Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Dress in long sleeves and long pants when you are outside.
• Stay indoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Drain standing water where mosquitoes breed. Common breeding sites include old tires, flowerpots and clogged rain gutters.

It’s also important for residents to eliminate standing water around their homes, an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. Learn more using the city’s interactive tool at http://webtools.sugarlandtx.gov/sl/epub/fightthebite/index.html.

For more information, visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/fightthebite

First Colony Community Services Association (FCCSA) has developed a Brand NEW FREE mobile application! This app will allow residents to view the calendar of events, recreation information on classes, map of the facilities, pool hours, and receive the latest updates about the community via push notifications. Receive notifications directly to your phone for facility closures, important updates, community emergencies, meeting, and event reminders and much more! Make sure you enable “push notifications” if you want to receive important messages from FCCSA.

You can visit the Apple or Google Play Store to download the app by visiting the stores and searching for FCCSA.

1. Select “Getting Started” on the app home screen
2. Select “Request Resident Access” at the top of the home page
3. Complete the form with your information select “Sign Up”
4. Please allow 72 hours for your request to be processed
5. Explore First Colony from the palm of your hand!

If you see the statement, “it asks me to apply for resident status.” this indicates you have not logged out of the guest view.

To log out of the guest view, follow the steps below:

1. Tap the three horizontal lines in the top left corner
2. Tap “Logout” at the bottom of the screen
3. Tap “Sign in with Email”