West Nile Virus Found On Mosquito In Coppell

COPPELL, TX — A mosquito caught in a trap in Coppell has tested positive for the West Nile Virus, the Dallas County Department of Health and Human Services announced Monday. The trap containing the mosquito was found in the 1100 block of E. Bethel School Road.

This is the first confirmed occurrence of the virus in Coppell in 2018. In response to the positive test, the city will conduct spraying on July 30 and 31.

The area near the trap where the virus-laden mosquito was found will be sprayed from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. during the treatment period, weather permitting.

As a precaution, residents are asked to keep pets and children indoors while spraying takes. Adult residents should also avoid being outdoors during the spraying period. (Subscribe to your local Texas Patch for real-time news alerts and informative newsletters delivered straight to your inbox.)

The virus is carried by mosquitos, which are known to accumulate and breed around bodies of stagnant water. There are various ways to avoid contracting the virus, including:

• Dress in long sleeves and pants when you're outside. For extra protection, you may want to spray thin clothing with repellent.
• DEET is an ingredient to look for in your insect repellent. Follow label instructions, and always wear repellent when outdoors.
• Drain standing water in your yard and neighborhood where mosquitoes can breed. This includes old tires, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, etc. Mosquitoes may develop in any water stagnant for more than three or four days. For shallow standing water that cannot be eliminated, check regularly for the presence of mosquito larvae and if seen, apply a biological larvicide often referred to as "mosquito dunks," available at local hardware stores.

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