Monday, March 18, 2024

Garland and Little Elm report positive West Nile Virus tests

mosquito3Today Garland and Little Elm have both announced they have been notified of positive West Nile Virus test results.

City of Garland results

On June 11 the Garland Health Department (GHD) received a report of laboratory confirmed presence of West Nile Virus (WNV) in mosquitos collected in the 5700 block of Indian Hills Drive. This is the first confirmed presence of WNV in mosquitos in Garland in 2015. GHD will immediately initiate adulticide spraying throughout surrounding area on the night of June 12 (weather permitting) to minimize the risk of human infections.

Thus far in 2015, no WNV human cases have been confirmed in Dallas County, but the presence of the disease in mosquitoes means that transmission to humans is possible. Residents are urged to take preventative measures. Citizens can view a map depicting areas where WNV virus has been detected and subsequently sprayed to reduce the adult mosquito population on the City of Garland WNV webpage.

 

Little Elm results

A trapping and surveillance check has revealed a positive result for the presence of the West Nile Virus in a mosquito pool in Little Elm, says Fire Chief Joe Florentino. “Mosquito pool” is the term used for a group of mosquitoes caught and tested out of a single trap. The term is not related to swimming or wading pools.

“A number of Gravid mosquito traps have been set up around several locations in Town,” he said. “In the one at the water lift station on Walker Lane, a mosquito pool tested positive for West Nile Virus.”

Florentino heads up the Little Elm Emergency Management Program, which oversees and implements the Mosquito Management and Response Plan. Results from the other traps set up in different parts of Town have proven negative as of this time. Signs will be placed along Walker Lane to alert residents of the positive test.

“There is no immediate danger,” he said. “If residents take the appropriate actions, the chances of a human infection are minimized substantially.” Taking a proactive approach can be very successful in limiting exposure to the virus, even when a positive has been identified.

Officials strongly encourage residents to enact the “Four Ds” of prevention. These include:

  • Drain all standing water, and overturn containers, pots, and other areas where water can pool;
  • Dress in light colored, long-sleeve and long pant leg clothing when outdoors;
  • DEET-containing pesticides and repellents work best and are safe to use;
  • Dawn and Dusk are when mosquitoes are most active and thus outdoor activity should be limited.

Florentino says crews will continue to apply larvicides to mosquito breeding areas and conduct surveillance measures. But he emphasizes that residents’ efforts are the best line of defense against the disease.

“All citizens should be following the Four Ds, especially this year as we have more water than normal,” he said. “The Town will continue to be vigilant in our efforts to manage this situation.”

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