Mosquito Tests Positive For West Nile Virus In Irving

IRVING, TX — A mosquito in Irving tested positive for West Nile Virus, Dallas County Health and Human Services said Wednesday in a press release. The insect is the first to test positive for the virus in Dallas County in 2018.

DCHHS has launched a public education and awareness campaign that includes a website where residents can find a wealth of information about eliminating mosquitoes and insect breeding sites. The prevention campaign also includes a host of public health events, updated printed materials, and social media campaigns.

Residents should use the 4Ds to reduce exposure to mosquitoes:

• DEET All Day, Every Day: Whenever you’re outside, use insect repellents that contain DEET or other EPA approved repellents and follow instructions.
• Dress: Wear long, loose, and light-colored clothing outside.
• Drain: Drain or treat all standing water in and around your home or workplace.
• Dusk & Dawn: Limit outdoor activities during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

Standing water can be treated with EPA-approved larvicides that are available for retail purchase. Larvicides are products used to kill immature mosquitoes before they become adults. Larvicides are applied directly to water sources that hold mosquito eggs, larvae, or pupae. When used well, larvicides can help reduce the overall mosquito burden by limiting the number of mosquitoes that are produced, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For more information on mosquito prevention, or to print materials go Dallas County's website.

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