Tuesday, March 19, 2024

City of Southlake Receives Positive Notice on One WNV Mosquito Trap

The City of Southlake received notice from Tarrant County Public Health that one mosquito trap in Southlake has tested positive for the West Nile Virus.

Southlake residents should take precautions against a disease spread by mosquitoes, West Nile Virus. The positive sample is located near the 700 block of Ashleigh Lane. Fire Chief Mike Starr says, “We will continue to implement our aggressive mosquito testing plan to help control the mosquito population. Southlake residents are our partners in this effort and we encourage the public’s continued help in the fight to reduce West Nile Virus.”

“Most people who become infected with West Nile virus do not become sick. Some may develop mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, and occasionally swollen lymph glands or rash. In some cases, West Nile may cause encephalitis or inflammation of the brain,” said Amanda Meneses, City of Southlake Emergency Manager. “Individuals with severe or unusual headaches should seek medical care as soon as possible.”  People at risk include people over 50 years of age, those with compromised immune systems, or those people with diabetes and high blood pressure. Symptoms may include fever above 100 degrees and a severe headache, stiff neck, mental confusion, muscle weakness, shaking, paralysis, or rash. It is important that you contact your health care provider if you experience any of these symptoms.

The City will respond with targeted spraying for three consecutive nights within a half-mile radius of the positive trap location.  Spraying dates are set Saturday, September 12th, Sunday, September 13th, and Monday, September 14th, during the evening hours, weather permitting.  Emergency Manager Meneses asks residents to remember to continue taking personal protective measures including:

  • Eliminate all sources of standing water that can be a breeding ground for biting mosquitoes, such as flooded fields, watering troughs, birdbaths, wading pools, clogged gutters and old tires. If it holds water for 7 days, it can produce mosquitoes.
  • Stock water troughs and ornamental ponds with mosquito fish.
  • Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when in mosquito infested areas.
  • Use mosquito repellents containing DEET, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, IR3535 or Picaridin, making sure to follow the directions on the container.
  • Make sure all screen doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly.

Please review the fact sheet located in the link for more information on West Nile Virus, signs and symptoms, and how you can protect yourself. Reducing the mosquito population is key, please dump any standing water on your property, refrain from overwatering your lawns, and clean out any areas that collect water or remain damp.

For more information about the West Nile Virus, personal protective measures, or response actions, please visit CityofSouthlake.com or MySouthlakeNews.com. And as always, if you have any mosquito concerns, please reach out to our Emergency Manager Amanda Meneses at ameneses@ci.southlake.tx.us

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