To curb the spread of West Nile Virus, the City of Arlington has announced targeted ground spraying sessions after two mosquito trap samples tested positive for the virus. The spraying, guided by Tarrant County Public Health recommendations, took place between July 22 and July 23, focusing within a half-mile radius of Douglas Court at North Cooper Street and East Road to Six Flags Street at Ballpark Way, to reduce the adult mosquito population carrying the virus, according to the City of Arlington.
Mosquito trapping is a seasonal routine in Arlington, running from May to October, as part of a public health monitoring effort. During this period, mosquitoes are collected and tested for various diseases, including West Nile and St. Louis Encephalitis viruses. It's this vigilance that flags up positive virus cases. When they emerge, the City swiftly moves to schedule sprays in affected areas. In situations where exceptional risk factors are present, such as a significant number of mosquitoes, proximity to human West Nile Virus cases, planned outdoor events in the vicinity, or a high infection rate in a trap sample, Arlington might opt for earlier intervention with spraying procedures.
The protocol followed by the City requires that if any trap tests positive for three consecutive weeks, there will be ground spraying over two nights within the nearby area; however, it's clear that when the public's safety is threatened, as determined by key risk indicators, they are prepared to act fast. Residents and visitors seeking more information on the action taken or wishing to report water stagnation and mosquito infestations can contact the City's Action Center or download the "Ask Arlington" app for convenient reporting.
