City of Abilene schedules spraying after mosquito tests positive for West Nile virus

The City of Abilene will spray for mosquitos Monday and Tuesday between 10 p.m. and midnight  after a mosquito in the 79602 zip code tested positive for West Nile virus during routine trapping and testing. 

The type of mosquito found infected with West Nile virus is known to be active in the evening hours. Spraying while the mosquitos are active helps ensure the insecticide is most effective, the city said in a news release. 

Spraying will happen in the area bound by the 1500 block of Chestnut Street, the 300 block of East South 27th Street, the 3800 block of South Treadaway Boulevard and the 2100 block of South 24th Street.

While the insecticide is approved for treatment by the Environmental Protection Agency, residents in the spraying area should avoid contact with the spray by staying indoors.

Persons inside a vehicle while trucks are actively spraying should remain in their vehicles with the windows up and the air conditioner off until the trucks pass and the spray is no longer visible.

Residents should also make plans to keep animals indoors during this time frame until the fog has dissipated and the residue is dry, the release said.

Those who come in contact with the spray are advised to wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water.

What is West Nile virus?

West Nile virus is a disease spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most people infected with West Nile do not feel sick.

But, about one in five people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms, and about one out of every 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness.

Abilene residents are encouraged to follow the four "Ds" to best protect themselves from mosquito bites:

► Dress in long sleeves and pants when outside.

► Use insect repellent containing a chemical abbreviated DEET.

► Drain standing water in the yard.

► Avoid being outdoors during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

Studies continually prove the most effective means of preventing mosquito-borne illness is to prevent mosquito breeding.  

The city of Abilene's Environmental Health department uses a phased response approach to mosquito treatment, which limits the spraying of insecticide to when mosquito-borne illness is detected through routine surveillance.

The practice works best to protect beneficial insects and wildlife in the area, the release said. 

Brian Bethel covers city and county government and general news for the Abilene Reporter-News.  If you appreciate locally driven news, you can support local journalists with a digital subscription to ReporterNews.com.