Dallas

Dallas County Reports First West Nile-Positive Traps of 2016

Dallas County Health and Human Services says the county's first positive West Nile virus mosquito traps have been collected for the 2016 season.

The WNV-positive mosquitoes were trapped May 10 and 11, but the location of the traps was not disclosed.

No plans to spray pesticide in the fight against mosquitoes were announced.

Positive West Nile virus traps have also been collected in recent weeks in Arlington and Lewisville, indicating an early wide distribution of West Nile virus in the local mosquito population, according to DCHHS.

No confirmed human cases of West Nile virus have been reported so far this year in North Texas.

How to Protect Yourself From Mosquito Bites
  • Dress in long sleeves, pants when outside: For extra protection, spray thin clothing with repellent.
  • DEET: Make sure this ingredient is in your insect repellent.
  • Drain standing water in your yard and neighborhood: Mosquitoes can develop in any water stagnant for more than three days.

It has been recommended in the past that to avoid mosquito bites you should avoid being outdoors during Dusk and Dawn (the 4 Ds). While this is true for mosquitoes that commonly carry the West Nile virus, other types of mosquitoes that are more likely to carry Zika, dengue and chikungunya are active during the day. When outdoors, no matter what time of day, adjust your dress accordingly and wear insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus as your first line of defense against insect bites.

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