Two Schools Cancel Recess Due to West Nile Virus

The first case of West Nile virus in Southlake town pretty much ruined the rest of the week for hundreds of kids.

That's because two elementary schools decided to cancel outside recess through the week after a mosquito trap tested positive for West Nile virus near the 700 block of Graymoor.

The trap location is just blocks away from both Rockenbaugh Elementary and Old Union Elementary.

Parents like Kim Pirog had to break to the news to their kids Thursday morning as they walked them to school.

"You're not allowed to have recess. They cancelled it. Because of the bugs," she told her second grade son, Ryan.

Obviously, students weren't too happy about it.

"I want recess," Ryan Pirog said.

"I want to play outside with my friends," said Lucy Donovan. "I like playing soccer outside and running with my friends."

Parents, on the other hand, said it was the right call.

“I actually think that's a great idea," Pirog said.

In fact, Pirog brought bug spray with her to spray Ryan's arms before he headed into class.

Southlake will spray the neighborhood Thursday night, and then maintenance workers will wipe down every piece of playground equipment

"Even if just one student was to get attacked, it's better to have a cancelled recess than deal with that. So precaution is better than cure," said Deepak Natwani.

He was a little bit concerned his two kids would come home with too much energy, but he said it's a small price to pay to make sure they aren't bitten by an infected mosquito.

"So they don't get to use up their energy. They can manage without recess for two days," he said, adding his kids would probably disagree.

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