Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu
Contact: Scott Anderson, 325-646-0386, sa-anderson@tamu.edu
BROWNWOOD – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will conduct a pair of Zika educational programs for the public on Aug. 29 in Brown County.
The first program, sponsored by the City of Brownwood, will be at 4 p.m. at the Adams Street Community Center, 511 E. Adams St.in Brownwood. The second will be at 6 p.m. at the May School in May and is sponsored by the May Independent School District.
Scott Anderson, AgriLife Extension agent in Brown County, said both programs are open to anyone interested free of charge. For more information, call the AgriLife Extension office in Brown County at 325-646-0386.
“The mosquito-transmitted Zika virus is a threat to the health of unborn babies in Texas and other states,” Anderson said. “We know that. How much of a threat is it in our area? Exactly what can be done to protect yourself and your family? How do we get the most up-to-date, truthful information? Answering those questions is the goal of these meetings.”
Dr. Charles Allen, AgriLife Extension entomologist at San Angelo, will speak at both meetings and limit his comments to dispelling the myths associated with the virus and discuss methods the public can adopt to protect themselves and their families.
“We can’t simply stay indoors to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, so now is the time to take precautionary measures to fight the Zika virus as well as other mosquito-related problems such as West Nile,” Anderson said.
Dr. Sonja Swiger, AgriLife Extension livestock/veterinary entomologist at Stephenville, said that as of this writing, there were 121 confirmed Zika cases in Texas, though none were from native mosquitoes.
-30-
