Update 9/1/25: Additional insecticide spraying set after mosquitoes test positive for West Nile

The City of Abilene will conduct mosquito spraying in two locations after mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus in those areas during routine trapping and testing.

The type of mosquito found to be infected is most active in the evening. City staff will spray during these hours to ensure the insecticide is most effective.

The City of Abilene Environmental Health Department uses a phased response approach, limiting insecticide spraying to times when mosquito-borne illness is detected through routine surveillance. This practice also helps protect beneficial insects and wildlife.

Spraying Schedule and Locations

Spraying will take place over several nights beginning at 10 p.m. and lasting most of each night, beginning Tuesday, September 2, 2025r, and tentatively ending Wednesday, September 3, 2025. Information on the date and boundary of each affected location is listed below:

• One-mile radius around the 600 block of Walnut Street
  Boundaries: North, 1700 block of Pine Street; East, 600 Block of Green Valley Drive; South, 800 block of South 8th Street; West, 2100 block of North 5th Street.
  Tentative date: September 2, 2025
  
• One-mile radius around the 2200 block of Oak Street

  Boundaries: North, 1100 block of Oak Street; East, 2000 Block of Lakeside Drive; South, 3400 Block of Maple Street; West, 2200 block of South 21st Street.
  Tentative date: September 3, 2025
  

Please note: Additional spraying days may be required. Weather conditions can also affect the City's ability to spray. Updates will be shared if plans change.

Important Health Information

The insecticide used by the City of Abilene is approved for treatment by the Environmental Protection Agency. However, residents in the spray areas should avoid contact with the fog by staying indoors.

If inside a vehicle while trucks are spraying, remain inside with windows up and air conditioner off until trucks pass and the fog is no longer visible.

Residents should also keep animals indoors until the fog has dissipated and the residue is dry. Anyone who comes in contact with the spray should wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water.

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).

How to Prevent Mosquito-Borne Illness

Residents are encouraged to follow the "Four Ds" to protect themselves from mosquito bites:

• Dress in long sleeves and pants when outdoors.
• DEET: Use insect repellent containing DEET.
• Drain standing water in your yard and neighborhood.
• Dusk/Dawn: Avoid being outdoors during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

Studies show the most effective way to prevent mosquito-borne illness is to stop mosquitoes from breeding.

Residents are encouraged to use larvicide to treat any standing water on their property that cannot be drained, such as ponds. Larvicide is available for purchase at most local home improvement stores.

The Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District has a limited supply of larvicide available for residents who live within the identified treatment areas. Distribution will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Call 325-692-5600 for details, or stop by the Health District at 850 North 6th Street if you live within the affected area.