West Nile Virus

Katy ISD Health Services is providing the following information in order to address issues and concerns about the West Nile virus that is transmitted through mosquitoes. We hope that you will find this information helpful for protecting  your child while at school and your family at home.

Facts Acts About West Nile Virus

• People, horses, many types of birds and some other animals become infected with West Nile virus through the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no evidence that West Nile virus can be spread from person to person or from animal to person.
• Mosquito activity is usually most active between dusk and early dawn.
• Most people infected will not have any signs of illness. Twenty percent of people who become infected will have mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches and occasionally a skin rash on the trunk of the body and swollen lymph glands. Only about 1 out of 150 people infected with West Nile virus will develop the more severe form of the disease.
• People over 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease.
• Additional information about the West Nile virus can be found in the Texas Department of State Health Services 

Safe Use of Repellants

• Always follow the label recommendations.
• Apply exposed skin and clothing. Do not apply under clothing or over cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
• Look for repellants that have DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) for the best protection against mosquitoes.
• After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water.
• Apply your face by putting repellant on your hands and rubbing it carefully over the face.

Katy ISD Procedures for Insect Repellant Use During School Hours

• Concerned parents are strongly encouraged to use a repellant on their child before they leave for school, especially younger children who may have difficulty applying the repellant safely.
• No repellant sprays or lotions will be provided by or applied by school personnel during the school day.
• Parents who are concerned about mosquito exposure during the school day may send a lotion, wipe-on or wristband type of repellant for use by their child. (Sprays pose the risk of accidental exposure and will not be allowed.)
• Parents should instruct their child about the proper use and application of an acceptable repellant, since it will be retained in the child’s possession (backpack, etc.) for use when going outside for activities or practices.
• Students with physical limitations that make it impossible to self-apply a repellant will need to bring a parent's note from home along with the repellant.

 Efforts will be on-going through Maintenance and Operations to prevent standing water and tall grass in play and practice areas. Please contact your child’s campus if you have any questions.