Residents in parts of Carrollton are facing a continued risk from West Nile Virus (WNV), as recent tests by Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) identified two more mosquito samples carrying the disease. Previous reports confirmed on July 14 by the City of Carrollton revealed positive test results from areas 5A and 7A, which include regions between Trinity Mills Road, I-35E, West Frankford Road, North Josey Lane, Whitlock Lane, Broadway Street, Josey Lane, and Belt Line Road.
The follow-up confirmation, released on July 21 and July 28, indicated additional positive tests in areas 2B and 7B, located between Hebron Parkway, Old Denton Road, Rosemeade Parkway, Josey Lane, Broadway Street, Belt Line Road, and Valwood Parkway. A total of 189 mosquito samples have been collected by the city this mosquito season, which runs from May through October. Despite the efforts, Carrollton's Battle against the mosquito-borne illness seems to be heating up with each positive sample reported.
In response, Carrollton Animal Services has been conducting ground-based mosquito spraying in the affected neighborhoods, typically starting around 9 p.m. The schedule is contingent on favorable weather conditions, and the service is not performed if wind speeds exceed 15 mph or in the event of other inclement weather situations. Sprayings after the recent findings were conducted on July 15, 16, 22, and 23, as well as on planned dates of July 29 and 30.
Cory Heiple, Environmental Services Director, reiterated the importance of personal protective measures against WNV, urging residents to "practice the ‘4Ds’ to reduce the risk of WNV." According to the City of Carrollton's statements, these measures include using insect repellants that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, wearing protective clothing, eradicating standing water around homes, and limiting outdoor activity during peak mosquito hours at dusk and dawn. For more information on how the city is handling the WNV situation, residents can contact Travis Caperton, Animal Services Manager, or visit the city's dedicated West Nile Virus webpage.
