Photo via Flickr by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
In 2014, we reported on the first human case of West Nile virus for the 2014 seasonbroriginating from the City of Crowley. West Nile Fever is the term used for thebrmild form of the disease, while the suffix “Neuroinvasive Disease” added to thebrsickness makes the case much more concerning to one’s health.
Unfortunately,brthe West Nile Virus is back with vengeance. Mosquito traps inbrDuncanville, Cedar Hill, Lancaster and Richardson tested positive for the virusbrthis week, prompting Dallas County and Richardson crews to spray in affectedbrareas.
Thebrnecessary spraying will take place from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. today and Sunday inbrLancaster, while crews will be spraying from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. today, Friday andbrSunday in Cedar Hill and Duncanville, as long as the weather allows it.
InbrRichardson, crews will be spraying a neighborhood Thursday and Friday beginningbrat 9 p.m. and ending by 4:30 a.m.in the area bordered by U.S. 75, CampbellbrRoad, Arapaho Road and Westshore Drive.
DallasbrCounty Health and Human Services advises that residents stay indoors whenbrsprayers are in the area.
Symptomsbrto look out for if you think you have West Nile are fever, headache, musclebraches, confusion, nausea, rashes and a stiff neck. These warning signalsbrcommonly appear from three to 15 days after you are bitten by a mosquitobrcarrying the virus. To refrain from being bitten by infected mosquitos, thebrhealth department advises you to:
- Usebrinsect repellent containing DEET when outside.
- Wearbrlong, loose and light-colored clothing.
- Drainbror treat all standing water in and around your home or workplace.
- Standingbrwater can be treated with EPA-approved larvicides to kill mosquitoes before they become adults.
- Limitbroutdoor activities during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
Morebrinformation is available at the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionbrwebsite at www.cdc.gov.