Hidalgo County Commissioners Court extends Disaster Declaration

EDINBURG – The Hidalgo County Commissioners Court voted to extend a Disaster Declaration that was issued last week by Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez in the wake of the flooding that beset most of the region.

Judge Cortez’s Disaster Declaration went into effect immediately last week and remained in effect for seven days. The Commissioners Court had the option to extend the effective date and did so on Thursday. The latest Declaration will last until terminated by a formal vote of the Commissioners Court.

While the Hidalgo County Drainage District #1 has reported that flood waters have mostly been mitigated, the next focus for Hidalgo County is mosquito control, led by the Hidalgo County Health and Human Services Department.

The Hidalgo County Vector Control Task Force, a collaboration between HCHHSD and local municipalities including Mission, McAllen, Pharr, and Weslaco, has initiated an aggressive response to address the increase in mosquito populations following the floods. The task force is deploying a combination of larvicides to treat standing water and adulticides to reduce the number of mature mosquitoes.

HCHHSD is coordinating with all four county precinct offices to ensure complete coverage of rural areas outside of city limits. Beginning Monday, April 7, HCHHSD will begin adulticiding efforts, with treatments scheduled every other evening from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., depending on weather conditions. Maps detailing coverage areas and treatment dates will be posted on the department’s social media platforms. Residents within city limits are encouraged to contact their city’s vector control department for additional information.

“Public health threats extend beyond the immediate aftermath of a flood,” said Dairen Sarmiento Rangel, Director of the Hidalgo County Health and Human Services Department. “We are prioritizing the health and safety of Hidalgo County residents by addressing the anticipated surge in mosquito populations with comprehensive mosquito control efforts.”

Mosquitoes are capable of transmitting several serious illnesses, including West Nile virus, Saint Louis Encephalitis Virus (SLEV), and Dengue fever. These diseases can pose significant health risks to residents, particularly during post-flood conditions when standing water creates ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Residents are encouraged to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, such as:

·         Eliminating standing water around their homes by regularly checking for water in containers, gutters, tires, and other outdoor items that can collect water.

·         Using insect repellent that contains ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

·         Wearing long-sleeve clothing and pants, particularly during peak mosquito activity hours (dawn and dusk).

·         Seeking medical attention if symptoms related to mosquito-borne illnesses, such as fever, rash, or muscle and joint pain, occur.

“Preventing mosquito-borne diseases is critical,” said Sarmiento Rangel. “By working together, we can reduce the health risks posed by the increased mosquito populations in our community.”

For further information or to report public health concerns, residents can contact the Hidalgo County Health and Human Services Department at 956-383-6221 or visit the department’s social media platforms for updates on mosquito control efforts and coverage areas.