West Nile virus detected in 23 North Texas cities – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

Cities scattered across North Texas have reported mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus.

DALLAS COUNTY

Dallas County Health and Human Services announced Tuesday it will begin ground spraying for mosquitoes after samples tested positive for West Nile virus in Coppell (75019), Lancaster (75146) and Seagoville (75159).

So far this season, DCHHS said West Nile virus has been confirmed in 16 traps in 17 mosquito pools in Balch Springs, Carrollton, Coppell, Dallas, Garland, Irving, Lancaster, Mesquite, Richardson and Seagoville.

For see the latest spray maps and schedulessClick here.

Residents should stay indoors while sprayers are in the area.

No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Dallas County.

COUNTY OF TARRANT

West Nile virus has also been detected in samples at three locations in Arlington. Crews are scheduled to spray Tuesday and Wednesday, June 27 and 28, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. at the following locations.

No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Tarrant County.

How to protect yourself from mosquito bites

• Dress long-sleeved, pants outside: for extra protection, spray repellent on thin clothing.
• DEET: Make sure this ingredient is in your insect repellent.
• Drain Standing water in your yard and neighborhood: Mosquitoes can thrive in any standing water for more than three days.

It has been recommended in the past that to avoid mosquito bites you should avoid being outside during Dusk And Dawn (the 4 Ds). While this is true for mosquitoes that typically carry West Nile virus, other types of mosquitoes that are more likely to carry Zika, dengue, and chikungunya are active during the day. When you are outside, no matter the time of day, adjust your dress accordingly and wear insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil as the first line of defense against pests. Insect bites.