Mosquito Control Program

For more information on pesticides and health, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which oversees the registration of these chemicals.

The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) also can provide information through a toll-free phone number at (800) 858-7378.

Effect on human health is one of the primary factors considered in regulation of pesticides. Pesticides that allowed for mosquito control have been judged by the EPA not to pose an unreasonable risk to human health.

People who are concerned about exposure to a pesticide, such as those with chemical sensitivity or breathing conditions includin asthma, can reduce their potential for exposure by staying indoors during the application period, usually nighttime.

A CDC report, (MMWR, July 11, 2009), examined illnesses in nine states associated with exposure to pesticides used to control mosquito populations from 1999-2002. This study found that "application of certain insecticides posed a low risk for acute, temporary health effects among persons in areas that were sprayed and among works handling and applying insecticides."

Yes, but rarely, if ever, get sick. No cases of WNV have been confirmed in dogs or cats.

The virus can infect many species of animals, but few actually develop symptoms. Most infections have been identified in birds, but WNV has been shown to infect dogs, cats, horses and domestic rabbits, as well as bats, chipmunks, skunks and squirrels.

Dallas County does not collect dead birds for testing. Mosquitoes are the vectors that transmit WNV to people so the focus is on surveillance of mosquitoes only.

To dispose of a dead bird, avoid bare-handed contact and use gloves or an inverted plastic bag to place it in an outside garbage receptacle.

Mosquito Proof. Remember the "Best Offense is a Good Defense."

Dress 

• Wear long, loose, and light-colored clothing to avoid mosquito bites when outside

DEET 

• Use insect repellent products with “DEET” or other EPA approved repellents and follow product

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

Dusk and Dawn 

• Stay indoors during dusk and dawn hours, when mosquitoes are most active

• Adulticide - The spraying of EPA approved products from tucks and planes to reduce mosquito populations.
• Larvicide - The use of EPA approved products to kill mosquito larvae in standing water or stocking water with mosquitofish.
• Personal Protection - Changing personal habits to reduce mosquito bites. This means you and how you can protect yourself, your family, and community.
• Public Awareness - Informing the public by press release, public information campaigns, websites, pamphlets, and presentations.
• Source Reduction - Remove water sources that support mosquito breeding habitats.
• Surveillance - The collection of mosquitoes to determine the location, species, quantity, and virus potential.

A bite by a mosquito alone doesn't warrant being tested for WNV. Most mosquitoes are not infected with WNV. Even in areas where mosquitoes may be found that carry the virus, few mosquitoes are infected.

However, seek medical attention immediately if you or your child develop(s) symptoms such as high fever, confusion, muscle weakness, severe headaches, stiff neck or if his or her eyes become sensitive to light.

If you think you have WNV or have WNV symptoms, see your primary care physician. If you are uninsured, seek care from a local community healthcare center.

If your symptoms are severe, go to the hospital emergency room as soon as possible.

There is no specific treatment for WNV infection. In mild cases, people experience symptoms such as fever and aches that go away on their own.

In more severe cases, people may need to go to the hospital where they can receive supportive treatment including intravenous fluids, help with breathing and nursing care.

West Nile Virus (WNV) can affect the central nervous system. People typically develop symptoms between three and 14 days after they are bitten by an infected mosquito.

The severity of symptoms can vary from person to person:

1. No symptoms: Approximately 80 percent of people who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms and will not know they have it.
2. Mild infection: Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected will display mild flu-like symptoms, including headache and body aches, nausea, vomiting, as well as swollen lymph glands, or a skin rash on the chest, stomach, and back. Symptoms typically last a few days. This is known as West Nile Fever.
3. Serious infection: About one in 150 people infected with WNV will develop severe illness, such as West Nile Encephalitis, West Nile Meningitis, or West Nile Meningoencephalitis. The symptoms can include headache as well as neck stiffness, confusion, and high fever. These symptoms may last several weeks or even months. The neurological effects may be permanent.
4. In rare circumstances, WNV has caused death.

WNV is not spread through casual contact such as touching or kissing a person with the virus.

In a very small number of cases, WNV has spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, breastfeeding and even during pregnancy from mother to baby.

West Nile Virus (WNV)is one of a group of viruses spread by mosquito bites.

It is a flavivirus commonly found in Africa, West Africa, and the Middle East. It is closely related to the St. Louis Encephalitis virus found in the United States. WNV was first discovered in the United States in 1999. The virus can infect humans, birds, mosquitoes, horses and some other mammals.

West Nile Virus can cause mild to severe illness. Most people who get infected do not get sick. Some get a mild, flu-like illness. In rarer cases, the virus can affect the brain and spinal cord, cause encephalitis, and can be fatal.