On July 23, 2012 the Garland Health Department (GHD) received a report of four laboratory confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV). The patients reside in the 2900 block of Western Drive; the 1500 block of Murray Drive; the 800 block of Woodland Drive; and the 1100 block of Intervale Drive. Five confirmed human cases of WNV have been reported in Garland in 2012. Mosquito adulticide is scheduled to be sprayed to the surrounding areas of these cases on the nights of July 23 and July 24 to minimize the risk of additional infections.
Thus far, 2012 has been a very active year for WNV which has been detected in twenty four mosquito samples collected throughout Garland. 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 webpage at www.garlandtx.gov.
WNV rarely causes severe illness or death, but citizens should remain vigilant and take common sense precautions to minimize the risk of exposure. To protect yourself from exposure to WNV, limit outdoor activity during evening and early morning hours when mosquitoes are most active. While outdoors, wear light-colored, long sleeve clothing, and use an insect repellent containing DEET, according to its label directions. Most importantly, citizens should take measures to eliminate any standing water on their property, such as birdbaths (clean them twice per week), pet water dishes, clogged rain gutters, tires, and buckets. Containers that can hold an inch or two of water for just a few days can breed mosquitoes. Report any standing water that you are not able to eliminate yourself to the GHD.
If you have questions or would like to report standing water please call the Garland Health Department’s mosquito control hotline at (972) 205-3720. Further questions on WNV should be directed to the City of Garland website, www.garlandtx.gov, or 972-205-3460.
