Collin County Health Care Services has reported three confirmed cases of the West Nile Virus in Allen residents. Although the national Center for Disease Control (CDC) advises the chances of persons contracting the virus are slim, even for persons who have been bitten by an infected mosquito, the city is taking steps to reduce risks through ongoing mosquito control activities and active code enforcement efforts.
Ongoing mosquito control activities include larvicide treatment of stagnant swimming pools and selected natural areas with creeks and detention ponds. To date, 24 stagnant swimming pools have been treated and over 20 public areas with a history of holding water have been inspected and treated as needed.
Code Enforcement and Environmental Health staff address stagnant water concerns during all inspections of neighborhoods, apartment complexes, commercial areas and vacant properties. Inspectors are proactive with this issue and address buckets of standing water, stagnant fountains, birdbaths, plant pots with water, and all similar sources conducive to mosquito breeding.
Citizens can report areas of stagnant water by calling 214.509.4160.
According to Lee Battle, Assistant Director of Community Development, “We encourage residents to be vigilant in eliminating all outdoor sources of standing water and to take safety precautions when outside early morning and at dusk when mosquitos are most active.”
Recommended precautions include applying insect repellent that contains DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), wearing long sleeves and pants during the dawn and dusk periods of the day, and spraying clothing with repellent.
Information regarding West Nile Virus and mosquito control precautions is available on the Collin County Health Care Services.