City of Abilene Diversifies West Nile Virus Prevention Efforts

The City of Abilene is continuing prevention efforts against West Nile Virus following recent discovery of positive mosquito test results in several areas of the city.

Mosquitoes that tested positive for West Nile virus were collected near Valentine Park in the 1300 block of Pioneer Drive, near the Abilene Parks & Recreation Administration building in the 600 block of Walnut Street, near the Environmental Recycling Center in the 2200 block of Oak Street, and in the 5600 block of Buffalo Gap Road near Abilene Fire Station 8.

To protect public health, City staff will apply larvicide in public areas within affected regions to reduce mosquito populations at the source. Larvicide targets mosquito breeding sites and prevents larvae from developing into adults.

Free larvicide tablets will also be available to all Abilene residents, who can pick them up at the Abilene Taylor County Public Health District, 850 North 6th Street, and use them on standing water around their homes, such as ponds, birdbaths, or other areas where water cannot be drained.

Why Community Action Matters

City environmental health staff can treat public spaces and assess thoroughfares for standing water, but large areas of standing water often exist on private property. These sites provide ideal conditions for mosquito breeding and make it difficult to break the cycle of West Nile Virus transmission.

"Even when our teams spray or apply treatments, we often continue to trap large numbers of mosquitoes in the same areas if standing water is left untreated on private property," said Annette Lerma, Director of Public Health. "Every resident's action makes a difference in the fight against West Nile Virus."

How Residents Can Help

Residents play a vital role in reducing mosquito activity and the risk of West Nile Virus. The City urges everyone to:

• Drain standing water in buckets, tires, flowerpots, and other containers. Treat water that cannot be drained with larvicide tablets (available free at the Health District).
• Dress in light-colored long sleeves and pants when outdoors, especially during evening hours when mosquitoes are most active.
• Defend yourself and your family by using insect repellent containing DEET.
• Dusk and Dawn are when mosquitoes are most active. Avoid being outdoors during those hours.

Residents also should maintain window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of their homes.

What Is West Nile Virus?

West Nile virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.

According to the CDC:

• Most infected people (8 out of 10) do not develop symptoms.
• About 1 in 5 infected people develop a fever, along with symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.
• About 1 in 150 infected people develop severe illness affecting the central nervous system, such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord).

For more information or to pick up free larvicide tablets, please contact the Abilene Taylor County Public Health District at 325-692-5600, or visit abilenetx.gov.