Heath Department: Standing water boosts risk of West Nile, Zika viruses
Commissioners will hear from the Cole County Health Department Tuesday about the possible abatement of several violations at a property just east of Jefferson City.
The Osage Front Street property was cited for “solid waste storage, rat harborages, stagnant and offensive water retention and vehicle nuisance.”
Mike Sapp, Cole County’s health code compliance officer said standing water and tall grass on a property are of particular concern this time of year.
“We’re at the start of the mosquito season and one of the things I’m looking for is tires, buckets, anything that holds water,” Sapp said. “The gestation period for a mosquito is two to three days.”
Sapp said the Health Department works to prevent the spread of viruses such as West Nile and Zika which typically are carried by mosquitoes.
