Don’t Get Bit by Zika Virus

The Zika virus continues to worry health officials in Comal County and New Braunfels.

They want to stay on top of the mosquito-borne illness so residents know what to do and how to prevent the disease from spreading to humans — especially unborn children for whom the disease can have fatal consequences.

Although no positive cases of Zika have yet been recorded in New Braunfels or Comal County, cases have been reported in South Texas since 2016.

A new website, ComalZika.org, contains information, links, and answers to frequently asked questions about preventing mosquito bites and Zika transmission.

“Zika and other diseases carried by mosquitoes continue to concern our community,” says Cheryl L. Fraser, Comal County director of public health. “We want to continue educating Comal County and New Braunfels residents about how they can protect themselves and their families from serious diseases like Zika.”

Along with listing Zika symptoms, ways to combat mosquitoes, and steps to take if a person thinks they have contracted Zika, ComalZika.org explains how the city and county combat mosquitoes on public property. The site also advises residents on how to submit complaints about the insects breeding on vacant or abandoned private property.

“In light of the potential for contracting illnesses such as Zika from mosquitoes, it is important for everyone to educate themselves about mosquito-borne diseases and to work together as a community to minimize the risks,” says Sheri Masterson, public information officer for the City of New Braunfels. “We encourage our residents to review the information on this new website and to put the suggested precautions into place.”