Dallas residents should enjoy their backyards while they can, because the mosquitoes are hatching. That was the message from Dallas County health officials last week as they announced the start of West Nile virus season.
"We don't think of something as seemingly harmless as a mosquito bite causing really serious, life-changing illness, but it really can," said Dr. Philip Huang, director of Dallas County Health and Human Services. "That's why every year as mosquito season starts, we remind people about the severity of mosquito-borne illness."
Dallas County traps and tests mosquitoes for West Nile virus year-round, and so far this year none of the traps has tested positive. But officials expect that to change.
"West Nile virus is endemic in the D-FW area and in Dallas," said Scott Sawlis, Dallas County mosquito control manager.
Mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus nearly every year since 2002, when the virus first emerged in Texas. Mosquitoes contract the virus by feeding on infected birds. Last year, 199 mosquito traps tested positive, 13 people became infected with the disease and one died.
Dallas expanded and standardized its surveillance efforts after a 2012 outbreak of West Nile virus sickened 398 people and killed 20.
The county sets mosquito traps year-round in 47 locations, including in residents' yards and in parks. Ten Dallas County municipalities set an additional 175 traps from May to November. A health department lab tests the specimens and, if workers detect West Nile, the county responds with ground spraying.
"It's like the board game Battleship. It's very much military thinking in the way we do things," Sawlis told The Dallas Morning News in an interview after the news conference.
Officials also shared tips for keeping mosquitoes away. Walk the perimeter of your yard regularly to look for standing water, Sawlis said. Empty water from pots, wheelbarrows, buckets and toys, and don't overlook gutters.
"That is a prime source for mosquito breeding," he said. Mosquito larvae hatch in water that is rich in nutrients from sources like decaying leaves and other organic debris.
When outside, wear mosquito repellent with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
It's almost impossible to predict mosquito seasons ahead of time, Sawlis said. But West Nile prevalence typically peaks the first week of August, and mosquitoes become more numerous as the weather heats up.
Sawlis advised banding together with neighbors to mosquito-proof backyards.
"Get to know your neighbors and share the good news of mosquito control," he said.
