The Plano Environmental Health Department reports routine monitoring has resulted in a positive testing of mosquitoes for West Nile Virus in the 75074 zip code. The Department will be increasing its testing of mosquitoes in the area and will closely monitor the need for additional mosquito larvicide or spraying measures, with informational flyers to be distributed to residents and businesses in the affected area in the coming week.
A West Nile Virus informational hotline (972.941.7180) has been implemented to answer the most commonly asked questions regarding the Virus, at-home prevention measures and Health Department mosquito vector control.
Additional information may be found on the department’s web site at: www.plano.gov/Health/Pages/WNV.aspx The risk of West Nile transmission increases during the summer months due to a rise in the Culex mosquito
population, which thrives in hot weather and may carry the Virus after biting infected birds.
Aside from being vigilant in prevention of mosquito bites, the best prevention against any mosquito-borne disease is to implement appropriate measures to reduce the mosquito population. Mosquitoes need standing water to lay their eggs, producing adults in just ten days in hot temperatures.
Persons are encouraged to remove any stagnant or standing water sources. Anything that can contain and hold water (wheelbarrows, empty flower pots, plant saucers, bird baths, clogged rain gutters, etc.) should be cleaned out, turned upside down when not in use, emptied weekly or tightly covered. French drains, often used in Plano, are a source for standing water. Larvicide “donuts” may be placed inside to kill any larvae. Swimming pools and fountains should be regularly maintained and kept circulating.
