During the weekly trapping and testing of mosquitoes by the City of Midlothian’s third-party vendor, VDCI, it has been confirmed that there was ONE (1) mosquito trapped this week that tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) near Auger Road in the general area of the Millbrook, Overlook, and Village South subdivisions.
THERE HAVE BEEN NO HUMAN CASES OF WEST NILE VIRUS THAT HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO THE CITY OF MIDLOTHIAN.
This single, positive WNV mosquito result, is considered a Risk Level Yellow in accordance with the City’s Mosquito Management Plan and as such does NOT rise to the level to perform ground spraying for mosquitoes per the plan.
City staff will inspect the areas for standing and stagnant water. Citizens are encouraged to pick up mosquito dunks free of charge at the City of Midlothian Community Services Office located at 1150 N Hwy 67, Suite 100, to treat areas of standing water on their property.
West Nile Virus is a potentially serious illness that occurs as a result of a mosquito bite, however, approximately 80% of people (about 4 out of 5) who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all. Some people – up to 20% – who become infected have milder symptoms that can last for as short as a few days, though even healthy people have become sick for several weeks. For the latest information about West Nile Virus, visit the Centers for Disease Control website at West Nile virus | West Nile Virus | CDC.
Additionally, because mosquitoes can breed in as little as a tablespoon of water, citizens are asked to help prevent mosquitoes from breeding on their property by taking these steps:
- At least weekly, empty or remove trash cans, buckets, old tires, pots, plant saucers, and other containers that hold water.
- Keep gutters clear of debris and standing water.
- Remove standing water around structures and from flat roofs.
- Change water in pet dishes daily.
- Rinse and scrub vases and other indoor water containers weekly.
- Change water in wading pools and bird baths several times a week.
- Use mosquito dunks with larvicide for water that can’t be emptied or covered.
- Keep backyard pools and hot tubs properly chlorinated and free of debris.
- Cover trash containers.
- Water lawns and gardens carefully so water does not stand for several days.
- Screen rain barrels and openings to water tanks or cisterns.
- Treat front and back door areas of homes with residual insecticides if mosquitoes are abundant nearby.
- If mosquito problems persist, consider pesticide applications for vegetation around the home.
Finally, to protect yourself and others from being bitten by mosquitoes, you are encouraged to:
- Wear long sleeves and pants.
- Apply repellent with DEET.
Contact Midlothian Community Services Code Enforcement at 972-775-7614 or at Community.services@midlothian.tx.us for additional information or to report standing, stagnant water.
More information is available at the link below.