HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Health officials will again perform a mosquito surveillance program here in Reno County. Dr. Ingrid Garrison with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Dr. Christopher Rogers with the Kansas Biological Survey were before the Reno County Commission Tuesday.

Dr. Garrison talked about the surveillance plan, which started in Reno County last year. She says they planted five traps around the county, including in the Turon area, where there seems to be a bigger issue with mosquitoes. She talked with the Reno County Commissioners about the plan for this year:

 

She explained that this is an effort to learn areas where mosquitoes are that might be carrying the West Nile virus. She says that those who are over 50 and have a suppressed immune system are most at risk. She talked about those who may become ill:

 

Dr. Rogers talked about a few places mosquitoes like to lay their eggs and form:

 

Residents should clear any standing water to discourage mosquitoes from forming in those areas.

Residents are also encouraged to use repellent when they are outside, particularly at dawn and dusk.