The city of Dallas is among the North Texas cities that is beginning its fight against West Nile virus early this year.
Already this month, the city has started a public awareness campaign with billboards throughout Dallas.
The city usually begins its campaign in May, when it starts trapping mosquitoes.
"This time, we wanted to start earlier," Assistant City Manager Joey Zapata said. "We started this month actually this month, April, because April is beginning of time of day water restrictions."
The message is, people should make sure to drain any standing water that is left behind after they water their lawns.
Ninety traps will be set from May to October, nearly triple the amount set out last year. The city has already hired two microbiologists to monitor for the virus year round.
Test results will be expedited with the use of state, county and private labs. The city will have a better idea of where pools are testing positive, allowing it to fight spread of the virus faster.
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By starting to get the message out this early, the city hopes people will be mindful as the summer months approach.
