The Garland Health Department (GHD) received a report of a laboratory-confirmed human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in a resident living near the intersection of West Miller Road and Fifth Street.
The health department has sprayed the area to minimize the risk of human infections.
West Nile Virus spreads to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes bite during the day and night, and they spread germs through bites that can make you sick. Prevent illness by protecting yourself and your family from mosquito bites.
Removing standing water is one of the most effective prevention methods. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, so please help remove all standing water from your property.
There is no vaccine for West Nile Virus. In addition, there are no specific treatments or medicines available to treat the disease. Antibiotics do not treat viruses.
Please follow the tips below to help control WNV
Outdoor tips – remove standing water by checking
- Wagons and toys
- Rot holes in trees
- Buckets and barrels
- Pet water dishes
- Low spots in the lawn
- Fountains and bird baths
- Clogged rain gutters
- Neglected pools
- Leaky hoses
- Flowerpot saucers
- Open trash containers
- Cover water storage containers (buckets, cisterns, rain barrels) so mosquitoes cannot get inside to lay eggs.
- For containers without lids, use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
Indoor tips
- Use A/C if possible.
- Use window screens.
- Remove any standing water inside your home.
Bite prevention tips
- Take steps to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites that can make you sick.
- Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Wear clothing and gear treated with permethrin.
- Control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors.
- If you are using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.
- When outdoors, use repellant that contains DEET and ALWAYS follow label instructions and reapply as directed.
- Limit time outdoors when mosquitoes are most active – dawn and dusk.
Tips for babies and children
- Dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs.
- Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting.
When using insect repellent on your child
- Always follow label instructions.
- Do not use products containing OLE or PMD on children under 3 years old.
- Do not apply repellent to a child’s hands, eyes, mouth, cuts, or irritated skin.
- Adults — Apply repellent onto your hands and then apply to a child’s face.
Mosquito trapping and spraying
View the mosquito trapping and spraying map showing areas where West Nile Virus has been detected and sprayed to reduce the adult mosquito population.
When a laboratory-confirmed presence of West Nile Virus is found in traps, the Garland Health Department immediately initiates adulticide spraying throughout the surrounding area to minimize the risk of human infections. Most spraying is conducted between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. when most residents are inside.
The city of Garland Health Department uses one chemical for mosquito spraying: Envion 30-30 ULV. This chemical is diluted with water before application, and its active ingredient is permethrin. We spray if there is a mosquito trap or human that tests positive for West Nile Virus.
Mosquito trapping occurs year-round. Trapped mosquitoes are sent to the Dallas County Health and Human Services laboratory where they are tested for the presence of West Nile Virus. If a trap is positive, the grid is sprayed two consecutive nights in a row, weather pending.
In 2023, West Nile Virus was detected in 19 mosquito samples trapped by us. No human cases were confirmed in Garland.
Note for outdoor workers: Click here for additional information.
Information provided by:
- Texas Department of State Health Services
- City of Garland Health Department
- Centers for Disease Control