Thursday, March 28, 2024

Southlake Confirms 8th Case of West Nile Virus – Denton County Spraying Results Still Pending

Earlier this week, the eighth human case of West Nile Virus was confirmed in Southlake.   It is unclear if the patient contracted the disease before or after the September 1st and 2nd aerial sprayings.  Results from the spraying are expected in the coming days.

“Based upon historical trends, and the cases we’ve seen here in Southlake as well as Denton and Tarrant Counties, the region is experiencing a downward trend though we may see isolated human cases come up over the next several weeks,” said Kyle Taylor, Southlake’s emergency management coordinator.  “The City has not seen a positive WNV pool test since early August, so that’s a bit of good news in the fight against the virus.”

Since June 22nd, the City has tested 23 mosquito pools.  Seventeen have tested negative and six have tested positive.  The City’s first human case was recorded on July 24th.

“We are still encouraging people to use DEET if they go outdoors, especially around dawn and dusk,” said Taylor.  “It’s the best form of prevention against mosquito bites in general and the West Nile Virus.

The City has received calls from people who are still noticing mosquito pools on their property.  While the City will continue to monitor and test public areas for evidence of mosquito infestation, areas of concern will be treated with larvicide.  Christi Upton, the City’s environmental coordinator says for problems on private property it’s smart to think like a mosquito!

“Pipes, gutters, trash cans, lighting fixtures, drains, all are perfect places for mosquito larvae to hide and grow.  As best you can, keep them clear of standing water so the mosquitoes can’t breed.

The City is making biological mosquito larvicide available to residents for private property use on a first come, first serve basis. These briquettes treat standing water by releasing a larvicide that kills larvae on the surface of standing water for a period of 30 days.

These briquettes are available at the following locations:

  • Southlake Community Center, 400 N. White Chapel Boulevard
    • Monday – Thursday, 7:30 am to 12:30 pm
  • Public Works Operations, 1950 E. Continental Boulevard
    • Monday – Friday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm

For more information on the West Nile Virus and the City’s response, please go to www.CityofSouthlake.com/WestNileVirus

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