Sprays for West Nile today

DALLAS COUNTY

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION

2377 North Stemmons Freeway

Dallas, Texas 75207-2710

214-819-6329 office

214-819-6095 fax

ZACHARY THOMPSON                                             DR. JOHN CARLO DIRECTOR                        MEDICAL DIRECTOR

Contact: Blanca Cantu – 214-819-6329                      Zachary Thompson – 214-755-9299

                              214-394-8109                                                                     

For Immediate Release – August 12, 2009

Mosquito control scheduled for Thursday in 4 communities

Areas to be sprayed include Balch Springs, Sunnyvale, Wilmer and Highland Park

Four Dallas County neighborhoods will be sprayed for mosquito control beginning Thursday evening. Spraying by Dallas County Health and Human Services will continue into Friday morning, weather permitting.

The upcoming mosquito control spraying is in response to mosquito pool samples that recently tested positive for West Nile Virus.

Spraying in four communities – Balch Springs, Sunnyvale, Wilmer and Highland Park – is scheduled to begin at 11 p.m. Thursday evening and end at 3 a.m. Friday.

The area in Balch Springs to be sprayed is bounded by Peachtree Road, Lake June Road, Sherry Lane and Elam Road.

In Sunnyvale, the area bounded by Manhattan Boulevard, Mansfield Boulevard, Jobson Road and East Tripp Road will be sprayed.

The area in Wilmer bounded by Miller's Ferry Road, Anderson Street, Interstate 45 and Belt Line Road is also scheduled to be sprayed.

And, in Highland Park, the area bounded by Auburndale Avenue, Mockingbird Lane, Airline Road and Dartmouth Avenue will be sprayed.

Residents who live in the affected areas should avoid contact with the insecticide and those who do are advised to wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water. Motorists who pass spray trucks should remain in their vehicles with the windows up and the air conditioner off until the insecticide dissipates. Fish ponds should be protected and pets should be brought indoors.

DCHHS Director Zachary Thompson encourages Dallas County residents to remain vigilant about preventing the illness.

“Residents in all areas of the county – not just the affected areas – should practice the three Ds in defending against West Nile,” Thompson said. “Use insect repellents that contain DEET. Drain standing water and dress in long, loose clothing during dawn and dusk hours.”

To report or inquire about mosquito activity in Dallas County, contact 214-819-2115.

For more up-to-date information about infected mosquito pools, control efforts and prevention tips, subscribe to West Nile Watch by sending an email request to westnile@dallascounty.org.