On June 9 the Garland Health Department received a report of laboratory confirmed presence of West Nile Virus in mosquitoes collected in the 5600 block of Lyons Road. This is the first confirmed presence of WNV in mosquitoes in Garland in 2016. GHD will immediately initiate adulticide spraying throughout surrounding area on the night of June 9 (weather permitting) to minimize the risk of human infections.
Thus far in 2016, no WNV human cases have been confirmed in the city of Garland but the presence of the disease in mosquitoes means that transmission to humans is possible, so residents are urged to take preventive measures. Residents can view a map depicting areas where West Nile Virus has been detected and subsequently sprayed to reduce the adult mosquito population at GarlandTx.gov.
West Nile Virus rarely causes severe illness or death, but residents 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 (which should be cleaned 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.
Further questions on WNV should be directed to the City of Garland’s website, GarlandTx.gov, or 972-205-3460.