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Mosquito tests positive for West Nile, Dallas County to spray today
By Kenny Green, kgreen@starlocalnews.com
Dallas County will be spraying a segment of Rowlett Thursday, June 28, after a mosquito was found to have the West Nile Virus.A mosquito testing positive for the West Nile Virus was discovered in the 7100 block of Tremont Street near the intersection of Hickox Road.
“They are carriers of the West Nile Virus so any bite from them can transmit it,” said Tony Jenkins, assistant director of environmental health for Dallas County. “There are several types of infection from the virus, some neuroinvasive and some fever-based.”
Jenkins said that if you develop symptoms after a mosquito bite you should seek immediate medical care.
“We try and canvas all areas in Dallas County but Rowlett has a contract with us for services so we are always conducting tests there,” Jenkins said.
Additional mosquito inspections will be conducted over the next few weeks in the affected area including inspection of possible breeding locations.
“The infected mosquitos we are after tend to stay in the area. They don’t tend to fly far from their breeding location,” Jenkins said.
Residents who live in the affected area should stay indoors and avoid contact with the insecticide. Those who might come in direct contact should wash with soap and water. Motorists who pass spray trucks should remain in their vehicles with the windows up and the air conditioner off until the insecticide dissipates. Fish ponds should be protected and pets should be brought indoors.
“Rowlett residents should remain inside and protect their pets as much as possible during the spraying,” Jenkins said.
He added that the chemical reacts to sunlight so the insecticide is deactivated when the sun comes out, making it safe to resume normal outdoor activities at that time.
Dallas County Health officials are working with the city of Rowlett to minimize the risk of residents of contracting mosquito borne diseases through education, inspections and abatement activities. Residents are urged to inspect their own property for standing water such as clogged roof gutters, potted plants, birdbaths, French drains or other containers that may catch and hold water for several days.
Jenkins advised that people wear long loose fitting clothing during the dawn and dusk and use insecticide repellant.
For information on West Nile disease or mosquito breeding in Rowlett and Sunnyvale, contact the Dallas County Health Department at 214-819-2115 or visit their website at www.dallascounty.org. For information in Mesquite, contact ??.
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