The Richardson Health Department conducted ground spraying this week in one area of the city (see map below) to help prevent the spread of West Nile virus, after a trap located within the spraying location returned mosquitoes that tested positive for carrying the disease. This is the first time Richardson has sprayed for mosquitoes this year.
The test pool monitoring and ground spraying are part of a comprehensive plan followed by the Health Department to control the mosquito population—other activities include:
- implementation of a residential pool abatement program,
- treatment of storm drains,
- use of larvicide along creeks and other stagnant bodies of water, and
- public education efforts through mass communications channels.
Mosquito-borne viruses such as West Nile and Zika can cause illness and sometimes even death—individuals can protect themselves from mosquito bites by following the “Four Ds of Protection:”
- DRAIN standing water around the home
- Use insect repellent containing DEET
- Avoid being outdoors at DUSK and DAWN
- DRESS to protect yourself with long sleeves and pants
More information: www.cor.net/mosquito
