West Nile Virus mosquito sample found in Arlington

Arlington, Texas - Arlington city officials have verified the presence of a mosquito sample that tested positive for the West Nile Virus.

In response, the city will hire contractors to execute "targeted ground spraying" in specific areas near the sample's location, aiming to swiftly curtail the virus-infected mosquito population.

The spraying is planned for Forest Edge Drive and Park Row Drive, located west of Woodland West Park and southeast of Shady Valley Country Club.

Dallas Metro News reported that contractors are scheduled to conduct this targeted ground spraying for two consecutive nights between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. on Wednesday and Thursday.

This intervention is deemed necessary to quickly decrease the population of adult mosquitoes known to carry the virus, according to city officials.

The spraying operation will involve an ultra-low-volume application of a water-based permethrin product. This method is deployed in particular areas where the use of larvicide and other measures have shown insufficient effectiveness.

The decision to proceed with the spraying was made in collaboration with the Arlington Health Authority, Tarrant County Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Since the commencement of mosquito season, Arlington has been proactive in carrying out routine trapping and strategic larvicide deployment throughout the city. Crews have also conducted inspections of low-lying areas for standing water, which can serve as mosquito breeding sites.

In partnership with Tarrant County Public Health, Arlington has been active in educating the public on preventative measures against mosquito bites. Some of these recommendations include:

• Wearing long-sleeved clothes and pants while outdoors. Thin clothing can be sprayed with repellent for added protection.
• Using insect repellents containing DEET and following the instructions on the label.
• Draining standing water in yards and neighborhoods to prevent mosquito breeding.

Water that has remained stagnant for more than three or four days could become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. For shallow standing water that cannot be removed, it is suggested to regularly check for mosquito larvae. If larvae are detected, a biological larvicide, often referred to as "mosquito dunks," should be applied. This product can be found at local hardware stores.