The city of Southlake is reporting the first mosquito sample that has tested positive for West Nile virus this year.
The positive sample was found Monday, Sept.10 in the 700 block of Greymoor Place, near Rockenbaugh Elementary School, according to the city.
"We've just been lucky to this point," said Public Works Director Robert Price about avoiding the virus up until this point, despite having taken approximately 140 samples since April. "We're ready to go and roll," Price said about the city's plan to begin ground spraying for mosquitoes within a half-mile radius of the trap site Thursday night.
In response to the announcement of the positive sample, the Carroll Independent School District informed parents Wednesday evening that there would be no recess for students on Thursday or Friday at Rockenbaugh Elementary or Old Union Elementary.
In addition, Carroll ISD playground equipment and benches will be wiped down by maintenance staff before classes begin, in an effort to clean them of any potentially lingering residue from the mosquito spray.
Laura Thompson lives near the wooded area where the West Nile virus positive mosquito was trapped.
"It's scary because my daughter's outside all the time, running at night or taking the dogs for a walk," Thompson told NBC 5 about living so close to the positive trap.
The city announced the news in a press release Wednesday evening, and reminded residents that during spraying people are encouraged to follow these precautions:
- Avoid being outside during spraying; close windows and keep pets inside.
- If skin or clothes are exposed, wash them with soap and water.
- Rinse homegrown fruits and vegetables with water as a general precautionary measure.
- Cover small ornamental fish ponds.
- Because the chemical breaks down quickly in sunlight and water, no special precautions are suggested for outdoor swimming areas.
