Foreclosures, Nasty Pools Fuel Fear of West Nile

Health department worries about abandoned property and standing water

Dallas and Tarrant county health departments are gearing up for mosquito season.

Recent rains helped boost the mosquito population and there is concern about the spread of West Nile virus heading into summer.

The economic downturn is also raising a red flag. An increase in the number of foreclosed homes could mean more properties are empty with no caretaker.

"The first step is they need to contact that municipality where there is a vacant property, because the issue of foreclosed homes because the issue of foreclosed properties is going to create a problem, so we want the citizens to definitely make that call to 311 or Dallas Health and Human Services, " said Zachary Thompson of the Dallas Health and Human Services.
 

Residents across North Texas are urged to keep an on their community and alert county health departments to pools or yards with standing water. that can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

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