On June 11, the Garland Health Department received a report of laboratory confirmed presence of West Nile Virus in mosquitos collected in the 5700 block of Indian Hills Drive. This is the first confirmed presence of WNV in mosquitos in Garland in 2015. GHD will immediately initiate adulticide spraying throughout surrounding area on the night of June 12 (weather permitting) to minimize the risk of human infections.
Thus far in 2015, no WNV human cases have been confirmed in Dallas County, but the presence of the disease in mosquitoes means that transmission to humans is possible. Residents are urged to take preventative measures. Citizens can view a map depicting areas where WNV virus has been detected and subsequently sprayed to reduce the adult mosquito population at WNV webpage.
WNV rarely causes severe illness or death, but citizens should remain vigilant and take common sense precautions to minimize the risk of exposure. To protect yourself from exposure to WNV, limit outdoor activity during evening and early morning hours when mosquitoes are most active. While outdoors, wear light-colored, long sleeve clothing, and use an insect repellent containing DEET, according to its label directions. Most importantly, citizens should take measures to eliminate any standing water on their property, such as birdbaths (clean them twice per week), pet water dishes, clogged rain gutters, tires and buckets. Containers that can hold an inch or two of water for just a few days can breed mosquitoes. Report any standing water that you are not able to eliminate yourself to the GHD.
If you have questions or would like to report standing water, please call the Garland Health Department’s mosquito control hotline at 972-205-3720. Additional questions on WNV should be directed to GarlandTx.gov, the eAssist app, or 972-205-3460.