What's Happening in Dallas, TX…

Some areas of Dallas are to be treated with a spray for West Nile virus, which has affected large numbers of people in Texas with some fatalities. The worst outbreak in the country appears to be in North Texas. Aerial spraying will take place during one weekend in August to stop the mosquitoes spreading the disease.

The State Health Department was approached by Dallas County Health and Human Services for help to combat the mosquitoes. The supplies necessary to spray areas have been dwindling, resulting in the approach to the State. According to the executive director of Dallas County Health and Human Services, Zach Thompson, the incidence of West Nile virus is particularly bad this year and they require help to control it. There are things that can be done by residents of Dallas to protect themselves and their family, like spraying with an insect repellent which has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. Flyer and poster printing services could prove to be an invaluable way to publicize the precautions that residents should be taking.

Thompson also advises people to spray their homes, wear long sleeves and trousers if residents must go out at night, spray your family with an approved repellent, and not have standing water around property. If anyone local has standing water, it should be reported immediately. The spraying which will take place is safe but people in the area are advised to keep pets indoors, protect fishponds, and, if traveling, keep the windows up and use the air conditioning.