West Nile Season is Back!

[TexasStooge]

Health officials issue West Nile warning

By JANET ST. JAMES / WFAA ABC 8

DALLAS, Texas - Mosquito season is here, and Dallas County health authorities are warning residents to take precautions against West Nile virus.

Officials have stepped up surveillance for the mosquito-borne disease, which is closely related St. Louis encephalitis.

A mild winter coupled with light rains this spring provide the optimal breeding conditions for the disease-carrying insects.

Dallas County health authorities issued a warning Monday for homeowners to control mosquitos in their own yard. One way is to elminate sources of stagnant water.

They also said residents should wear mosquito repellant when working or playing outdoors, because the bugs are coming.

"We've been having sporadic rain; we now have an increase in temperatures, which is the trigger for us to see that species, the house mosquito," explained Dallas County entomologist Scott Sawlis.

West Nile virus has already been detected in the Houston area.

Last year, there were there were only 16 human cases of the disease in Dallas county, with no deaths. Health officials want to make sure that number says low again this year.

[vbhoutex]

We had our first confirmed case in a bird about 1.5 months ago. Haven't heard too much about it since, but they have been spraying a lot for mosquitos.

[JenBayles]

WNV really seems to have calmed down so far this year in Houston. The last 3 years it seemed like dead and dying birds were raining out of my trees. It was awful. Crossing my fingers we have a mild season.