For information on how to control mosquitoes and avoid contact with the West Nile Virus click here.

For the latest Dallas County Health and Human Services West Nile Virus activity update click here.  

West Nile Virus Update

This year we have significantly increased surveillance activity to identify the virus activity before it reaches our human population.  By collecting and testing pools of mosquitoes for West Nile Virus, we can more quickly determine those that may present a public heath risk.  Once a positive test result is reported, Carrollton responds by spraying the target area multiple times over 7 day period.  We continue to combine surveillance with spraying until test results return negative for West Nile Virus.

As of August 10, 2007 we have identified 3 positve pools of mosquitoes.  One was collected in the 75006 section of Carrollton and two in the 75007 section of Carrollton.  The sample collected in the 75006 area was cleared and is now testing negative.  We continue to work on the those located in the 75007 section of our city and anticipate that these will be cleared within the next 10 days.

D-fend Against West Nile:  Drain, Dress & wear DEET.

The City of Carrollton urges the public to defend yourself against West Nile virus:

• Drain
  • Get rid of ALL standing water.
  • Empty, remove, cover or turn upside down any containers that will hold standing water (bottles, cans, tires, buckets, flower pots, etc.)
  • Change water in pet dishes, wading pools and birdbaths several times a week.
  • Cover trash containers so they will not collect water.
     
• Dress
  • Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing to avoid mosquito bites when outside.
     
• Deet
  • Use insect repellent products with “DEET” or other FDA approved repellents and follow product instructions.

 

What is West Nile Virus?

West Nile Virus is an arbovirus that causes encephalities.  Arboviruses including West Nile Virus are transmitted by blood-feeding insects such as mosquitoes.

Where did West Nile Virus come from?

West Nile Virus was first identified in the West Nile district of Uganda in 1937, and has since been found in other parts of Africa, Eastern Europe, West Asia, the Middle East and the United States. 

How is West Nile Virus transmitted?           

Mosquitoes draw the virus from infected birds and transmit it to animals and humans through bites.  West Nile Virus is not transmitted directly from animal to person, person to animal, animal to animal, or person to person.

What is the risk of a person contracting West Nile Virus?

The risk of becoming ill from a single mosquito bite is extremely low.  In areas where mosquitoes carry the virus, less than 1% are actually infected.  Even if mosquitoes are infected, less than 1% of people bitten and affected by those mosquitoes become severely ill.

What is the City of Carrollton doing to manage issues related to the West Nile Virus?

The City of Carrollton has implemented a plan that includes surveillance, public education, source reduction and spraying.  Surveillance is conducted by setting gravid traps to collect mosquitoes.  These mosquitoes are sent to the Texas Department of State Health Services where they are tested for West Nile Virus.  Positive results are reported reported to Carrollton, and shared with the public through local media releases presented by either Denton or Dallas County Health Departments.

The City of Carrollton has also teamed with the Texas Department of Health and Dallas County Health and Human Services to share information related to the West Nile Virus.  By sharing resources, we are better able to track surveillance data and plan appropriate responses to case investigation and confirmed cases.

When does the City of Carrollton spray for mosquitoes?

The map below outlines the days each area will be sprayed for mosquitoes.  Spaying is conducted on request basis only and will only be scheduled in your area on the days shown below, unless it is determined additional spraying is in the best interest of public health.  Requests for spraying can be made by contacting the Animal Services Division at (972)-466-3420.

 

To send additional questions or comments please click here.  If you would like to speak with a member of our staff please call 972-466-3420.

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