Tarrant County health officials say the county has their first positive sample of West Nile virus from a mosquito pool.
The sample was collected in the city of Grapevine, which now plans to begin ground spraying in the area Thursday evening at 10 p.m.
"The area to be sprayed is within an one-half mile radius of 300 West Dallas Road, bounded generally on the north by Wall Street, on the west by Berkley Drive, bounded by West state Highway 114 on the south and Dooley Street on the east," the city said in a news release Thursday.
To date, the county has collected 1,430 samples and up until now all have been negative for West Nile virus. In 2012, the county reported their first positive mosquito pool on June 4.
What can residents do to defend against mosquitoes?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states: "the easiest and best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites.
- When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient. Follow the directions on the package.
- Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.
- Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
- Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren't being used."
