For the first time in 50 years, Dallas County gave the go-ahead for aerial spraying of insecticide to tackle the West Nile Virus.
The Dallas City Council will also discuss West Nile virus at a council briefing. City officials made an “emergency addition” to Wednesday’s morning briefing agenda. They’ll discuss what they call the “imminent threat” of the virus, as well as the city’s actions to prevent its spread.
Aerial spraying of mosquitoes is set to begin Thursday evening, although Dallas hasn’t officially decided whether it’ll participate. Several other cities in Dallas County have voiced their support for aerial spraying.
Dallas County officials authorized aerial spraying last week. More than 200 cases of the virus have been reported in Dallas County, and 10 people have died. The Dallas City Council will discuss West Nile virus at a council briefing.
City officials made an “emergency addition” to Wednesday’s morning briefing agenda. They’ll discuss what they call the “imminent threat” of the virus, as well as the city’s actions to prevent its spread.
Aerial spraying of mosquitoes is set to begin Thursday evening, although Dallas hasn’t officially decided whether it’ll participate. Several other cities in Dallas County have voiced their support for aerial spraying.
Dallas County officials authorized aerial spraying last week. More than 200 cases of the virus have been reported in Dallas County, and 10 people have died. The north Texas region — which includes Dallas and Fort Worth — has reported 14 deaths and more than 460 cases.
State health commissioner David Lakey has asked North Texas mayors to advise the state by the end of Wednesday if they want their cities sprayed from the air.
The best way to protect yourself from West Nile virus is to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes, which can pick up the disease from infected birds. The CDC recommends the following steps to protect yourself:
Use insect repellents when outside.
Wear long sleeves and pants from dawn to dusk.
Don’t leave standing water outside in open containers, such as flowerpots, buckets and kiddie pools.
Install or repair windows and door screens.
Use air conditioning when possible.
via BMS
