HOUSTON -- Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus have been found in Harris County, KPRC Local 2 reported Monday.

Gayle Kaputo said she sprays herself with repellent every time she goes outside of her northwest Harris County home to try to keep the mosquitoes at bay.

"We, as homeowners, need to do our part as well," she said. "It's scary. We have kids that play out here."

Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services officials said the mosquitoes that tested positive for West Nile virus were found in ZIP code 77373 in north Harris County.

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See Map Of Where West Nile Virus Found In Mosquitoes, Birds

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That's why trucks made their way through the streets, spraying to kill the bugs.

"I think it's wonderful," she said, "They should spray as much as we need to so we can get rid of them."

In daylight, crews used thermal fogging in southeast Houston to knock out mosquitoes in the storm sewers. Experts said they have seen an increase in the type of mosquito that carries West Nile virus in that area.

"I think it's better," said Felipe Vasquez, a southeast Houston resident. "I don't want all the mosquitoes around here."

Vasquez said knowing his daughter could get bitten and infected makes him worried.

"I don't want nothing to happen to my little girl," said Vasquez.

County health officials said they are constantly monitoring mosquitoes and will continue to do that throughout the summer.

"I think it needs to be done for safety of all of us," said Kaputo. "The West Nile is a very serious virus."

Crews will not begin aerial sprays until mid-summer.

West Nile Virus Symptoms In Humans

• Flulike illness, with moderate to high fever
• Headache
• Muscle weakness or joint pain
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Possible seizures
• Paralysis
• Respiratory symptoms

West Nile Virus Symptoms In Animals

• Loss of appetite
• Depression
• Fever
• Weakness
• Convulsions

To help eliminate mosquito-breeding sites and prevent mosquito-borne diseases, residents should do the following:

Wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts when outdoors, particularly at dawn and dusk.
Use insect repellent that contains deet. Children should use insect repellents that contain less than 10 percent deet. Do not apply deet on babies. Adults should use insect repellents that contain more than 10 percent deet.
Make sure screens on windows and doors are in good condition.
Keep the storm sewers clean to reduce mosquito breeding.
Sweep up lawn clippings, leaves and limbs from sidewalks, driveways, curbs and gutters.
Don't let lawn water or car-washing water enter the street.
Pick up litter and other debris from the yard and the street.
Keep mosquitoes out of the house.
Keep doors and windows closed.
Seal cracks and gaps in the house.
If mosquitoes are in the house, use flying insect spray, following label instructions.
Empty, remove or dispose of anything in the yard that can hold water: flower pot saucers, cans, toys, litter, rain barrels, plastic sheeting, etc.
Pet water bowls and birdbaths should be emptied and refilled at least twice a week.
Keep rain gutters on the house clean and properly draining.
Repair household water leaks; move air conditioner drain hose frequently.
Report water and sewer main leaks and breaks to 311.

More Information:

Centers For Disease Control and Prevention: West Nile Virus
Harris County Mosquito Control Division