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West Nile Season — Protect Yourself |
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West Nile Season — Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites
It’s summer and that means West Nile season in Dallas County. Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) steps up its efforts to detect, prevent and control the spread of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses.
“DCHHS is committed to protecting the community from the West Nile virus by working with our city partners,” DCHHS Director Zachary Thompson said. DCHHS West Nile prevention activities include surveillance, source reduction, larvaciding (killing mosquito larvae or wigglers), adulticiding (spraying for adult mosquitoes), and public education.
DCHHS Medical Director Dr. John Carlo urges the public to protect themselves, their homes, and their yards from mosquitoes by
following these simple guidelines:
- When outside, wear long, loosefitting, light-colored clothing to avoid mosquito bites.
- Use insect repellent products containing “DEET” or other EPA approved repellent compounds. Follow product instructions.
- Keep doors, porches and window screens in good condition and frames sealed tightly to help keep mosquitoes out of the house.
- Repair any leaking plumbing and outside faucets.
- Get rid of all standing water.
- Empty, remove, cover or turn upside down any receptacle/container that will hold standing water (gutters, bottles, cans, tires, buckets, flower pots, etc.).
- Change water in pet dishes, wading pools, and birdbaths daily.
- Cover trash containers so they will not collect water.
For more information about mosquito activities in Dallas County, call the DCHHS Environmental Health Division at 214-819-2115 or visit www.dallascounty.org.
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