Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) laboratory confirmed mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus. The mosquito traps were collected from the 75154 ZIP code of Glenn Heights.
DCHHS has not announced any plans to spray for mosquitoes at this time.
The West Nile virus (WVN) is a disease that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes can become infected when they feed on the blood from infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then transmit WNV to humans and animals.
Severe WNV infections can cause neurological complications such as encephalitis, which is a swelling of the brain. Milder symptoms include fever, headache and muscle aches. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for WNV.
"Mosquito season is here. We want the residents of Dallas County to know to expect more positive traps this season and to remember the 4 Ds", said Dr. Philip Huang, DCHHS Director.
- 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.
