Two pools of West Nile-positive mosquitoes found in Wichita Falls

The Texas Department of State Health Services laboratory confirmed two pools of mosquitoes from Wichita Falls tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to a press release from the city Tuesday.

"The mosquitoes were collected from traps placed in the city as part of the Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District’s routine mosquito surveillance program," the release said. The positive pools were collected on the south side of  Wichita Falls but the city urged all citizens to take the necessary precautions to prevent mosquito bites that transmit the virus to humans.

The precautions include:

• Dump/Drain: Be sure to dump or drain and wipe the sides of containers such as pet bowls, rain barrels, children’s toys, or tarps, etc. that hold water.
• DEET: If you are going outside wear an EPA approved insect repellent containing DEET. Be sure to follow the label instructions on application and reapplication. Consult your pediatrician about use of insect repellent on young children.
• Dress: Wear long sleeves and long pants if you are going to be outside especially if you are doing an activity that will stir up mosquitoes resting in the grass such as yard work or outdoor sports.
• Dusk/Dawn and all Day: Mosquitoes are generally considered most active at dusk and dawn so when you are able to limit your outdoor activities at those times; however, you should follow proper mosquito precautions any time you are outdoors no matter what time of day.

The Health District’s Environmental Health Division will continue its integrated pest management program for mosquito control. This includes continuing to test mosquitoes for West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases, treating standing water, eliminating breeding areas and spraying for adult mosquitoes when weather conditions are favorable.

The Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District has not received any reports of a positive human case of West Nile Virus this season.