West Nile Season is Back!
Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 1:33 pm
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.
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.