A mosquito sample has tested positive for West Nile virus in Bedford, the Tarrant County Public Health Department says Monday.
The sample was collected in the 2000 block of Forest Ridge Drive near L. Don Dodson Drive and was the first West Nile-positive mosquito sample this year in Bedford.
No plans were announced for spraying in the area, but in a statement Monday the city said its public works department has increased surveillance in the area and is proactive to prevent mosquito breeding.
- 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.
