D-fend Against West Nile: Dress, Drain & wear DEET
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a preventable condition. Humans commonly get West Nile Virus by being bitten by infected mosquitos. Mosquito season in Dallas County typically runs from May to October with peak activity in August. Residents should be on heightened alert during these months of the dangers of West Nile Virus.
You can join the fight against West Nile by developing a Prevent D-fense: wear DEET, Drain standing water and Dress in long, loose clothing. Educational posters, flyers and brochures are available below or by calling (214) 819-6329. DCHHS also produces a weekly e-mail newsletter, West Nile Watch, from May – November, that contains up-to-date information on infected mosquito pools, mitigation and control efforts and prevention tips. To be added to the email distribution list, simply send an email request to
westnile@dallascounty.org.
Dallas County uses an Integrated Mosquito Management program to control the mosquito population. IMM uses various techniques to S.S.L.A.P.P. back mosquitos:
Surveillance
The collection of mosquitoes to determine the location, species, quantity and virus potential.
Source Reduction
Investigate and remove water sources that support mosquito breeding habitats.
Larvicide
The use of mosquito fish and EPA-approved products to kill mosquito larva in standing water.
Adulticide
The spraying of EPA-approved products from trucks to reduce mosquito populations.
Public Awareness
Informing the public by press releases, public information campaigns, websites, flyers and presentations.
Personal Protection
Changing personal habits to reduce mosquito bites. This means YOU and how you can protect yourself, your family and community.
What is West Nile Virus?
It’s one of a group of viruses spread by mosquito bites. The most severe type of West Nile Virus is sometimes called “neuroinvasive disease” because it affects a person’s nervous system. Specific types of neuroinvasive disease include: West Nile Encephalitis, West Nile Meningitis or West Nile Meninigio-Encephalitis. West Nile Fever is another type of illness that can occur in people who become infected with the virus. Symptoms of West Nile virus in humans may include fever, headache, tiredness, muscle aches, confusion, stiff neck, nausea, and sometimes a rash. Although the illness commonly has affected older individuals, even healthy younger people have been sick with West Nile Disease this year. The incubation period for WNV (the period between being bitten by an infected mosquito and showing the first symptoms) varies from 3-15 days. Anyone who experiences symptoms consistent with WNV should see a physician as soon as possible.
D-fend Against West Nile: Drain, Dress & wear DEET.
DCHHS urges the public to defend yourself against West Nile virus:
- Drain
- Get rid of ALL standing water.
- Empty, remove, cover or turn upside down any containers that will hold standing water (bottles, cans, tires, buckets, flower pots, etc.)
- Change water in pet dishes, wading pools and birdbaths several times a week.
- Cover trash containers so they will not collect water.
- Dress
- Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing to avoid mosquito bites when outside.
- Deet
- Use insect repellent products with “DEET” or other FDA approved repellents and follow product instructions.
West Nile Contacts
For more information about mosquito activities in Dallas County, call the DCHHS Environmental Health Division at 214-819-2115 or visit www.dallascounty.org. Several municipalities in Dallas County have their own environmental health departments and set their own policies/criteria regarding West Nile virus and bird testing. If your city is shown below, please contact your local health department for more information.
Addison: 972-450-2827 website
Carrollton: 972-466-3420, Press 3 when prompted. website
Cedar Hill: 972-291-5128
Coppell: 972-304-3500 or 972-304-3515 website
Dallas: 311 website
Farmers Branch: 972-919-2536 website
Garland: 972-205-3720 website
Grand Prairie: 972-237-8055 website
Irving: 972-721-3755 website
Mesquite: 972-329-8715 website
Richardson: 972-744-4080 (8 am - 5 pm M-F), 24-Hr Information 972-744-4081
West Nile Watch
The West Nile Watch is published weekly from May – November. The first edition for the 2007 West Nile Virus Season is scheduled for release May 18th. To be added to the email distribution list, simply send an email request to .
For latest edition click here.
Learn More About West Nile Virus
Talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have. Below is contact information for additional resources on West Nile Virus and other mosquito-related illnesses:
Dallas County
Health & Human Services
Environmental Health Division
2377 N. Stemmons Freeway
Dallas, Texas 75207
(214) 819-2115
www.dallascounty.org
West Nile Support Group
West Nile Virus Support Group Meeting - Click Here
Medical City Dallas Hospital
Care Tower E, 2nd Floor
City Hall Auditorium
Email Roberta Read
Texas Department of State Health Services
1100 West 48th Street
Austin, Texas 78756
(512)458-7255
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention
(888) 246-2675 (English)
(888) 246-2857 (Spanish)
(866) 874-2646 (TTY)
www.cdc.gov/westnile |
