Newsletter BOX: City of Dallas Reports third human West Nile Virus case

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information contact:

Sept. 26, 2013 Crystal Woods - Code Compliance Department

(214) 670-9573

City of Dallas Reports third human West Nile Virus case

Dallas – Dallas County Health and Human Services announced the third human West Nile Virus (WNV) case in the City of Dallas for the 2013 season. The resident lives in the 75201 zip code and was diagnosed with West Nile neurovasive disease. For medical confidentiality and personal privacy reasons, the City of Dallas does not provide additional identifying information.

Mosquitoes that carry the West Nile Virus are in Dallas and are active. The City’s mosquito control program is continually evolving to address the threat of the Virus. The City meets weekly with Dallas County health officials and other municipalities to discuss trapping results, ground spraying applications and best practices. Public information and outreach has been expanded using television, radio, billboards, social media, phone calls, brochures, and community meetings. Additionally, a webpage at www.dallascityhall.com is dedicated to WNV information, including links to videos developed to educate the public on WNV prevention.

Off-season surveillance of mosquito activity was conducted from November 2012 through this past April. With the start of mosquito season in May, the City tripled the number of traps from last year to 90 and placed these traps in fixed locations where previous history indicated WNV activity. As necessary, the City places additional traps in other areas to gain information on mosquito activity.

The City is proactively identifying sources of mosquito breeding by responding to 3-1-1 standing water, stagnant pools and water conservation complaints. City employees have been asked to report standing water and staff has evaluated aerial views of the City to identify potential breeding sources. The City’s mosquito surveillance program and abatement teams are taking appropriate action to prevent or eliminate mosquitoes. However, it is important that residents do their part by taking the necessary precautions to avoid exposure to the virus.

The best way to avoid exposure to West Nile virus is to avoid mosquito bites by employing the four D's:

- Defend yourself by using insect repellents – Follow label instructions

- Dress in long sleeves and pants, loose and light colored clothing when you go outside

- Dusk and dawn, stay indoors to avoid mosquitoes when they are most active

- Drain standing water and install or repair window screens.

Dallas residents are urged to take precautions against mosquito bites by reducing outdoor activity during early morning and nighttime hours. Residents who are outside during these times should cover their arms and legs and use a mosquito repellant.

Residents should eliminate standing water to prevent mosquito breeding and the spread of West Nile Virus. Breeding places for mosquitoes include swimming pools that are not kept clean, stagnant ponds, pet watering dishes, birdbaths, potted plants, old tires, empty containers, toys and clogged rain gutters and French drains. Standing water should be eliminated promptly, as mosquitoes can grow from egg to adult in as little as seven days.

To report standing water or mosquito problems Dallas residents should call 3-1-1. For additional information on mosquito control visit www.dallascityhall.com.