FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 17, 2009
More mosquitoes found to be carrying West Nile virus
Season total for mosquito collections with West Nile virus is 39
Dallas – With approximately two months to go in the mosquito season a total of 39 West Nile positive collections have been confirmed which is 25 more than were found last year and is above the average number of positive collections of 31 since the detection of West Nile virus in Dallas in 2002. There have also been 6 human West Nile cases reported in Dallas this season.
Two areas are scheduled for mosquito control spraying Friday night/Saturday morning, September 18/19 and another is scheduled for Monday night/Tuesday morning, September 21/22, 2009. Weather permitting mosquito control spraying is scheduled to begin after 10 p.m. each night and conclude by 3:00 a.m. the following morning.
Control Area 1; September 18/19, Far Southwest Dallas: The area to be sprayed is within an area bounded by Mountain Creek Parkway, Clark Road, Summit Parc Drive, Cedar Thicket Drive, Timber Falls Drive, Wooded Gap Drive, West Ridge Drive, and Wheatland Road.
Control Area 2; September 18/19, Buckner/Ferguson Area: This area is within an area bounded by Oates Drive, Peavy Road, Coldwater Circle, Estacado Drive, Ash Creek Drive, Mariposa Drive, KCS Railroad, Lakeland Drive, John West Road, Peavy Road, Gross Road, Rustown Drive back Oates Drive.
Control Area 3; September 21/22, Forest Hills: This area is bounded by Garland Road, White Rock Creek, KCS Railroad, Highland Road, Ferguson Road, and St. Francis Avenue back to Garland Road.
While the insecticide is considered safe, residents in the above areas should avoid contact with the spray by staying indoors. Persons inside a vehicle while trucks are actively spraying should remain in their vehicles with the windows up and the air conditioner on until the trucks pass and the spray is no longer visible. Persons out during the scheduled spraying time should be alert for trucks and should not follow them. Residents who come in contact with the spray are advised to wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water. The spray breaks down quickly in the presence of sunlight and has no residual effect. Fish ponds should be protected and pets should be brought inside during the spraying period.
Protection against mosquito bites
Dallas residents are urged to take precautions against mosquito bites by reducing outdoor activity during evening and nighttime hours. Residents who are outside during these times should cover their arms and legs and use a mosquito repellant.
Prevent mosquito breeding
Residents should eliminate standing water to prevent mosquito breeding and the spread of West Nile Virus. Breeding places for mosquitoes include swimming pools that are not kept clean, stagnant ponds, pet watering dishes, birdbaths, potted plants, old tires, empty containers, toys and clogged rain gutters & French drains. Standing water should be eliminated promptly, as mosquitoes can grow from egg to adult in as little as seven days.
To report standing water or mosquito problems Dallas residents should call 3-1-1. For additional information on Mosquito Control, visit www.dallascityhall.com.
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