Mosquito Season Begins In Dallas County
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Mosquito season has arrived in Dallas County.
Dallas County Health and Human Services started urging residents Monday to take the necessary precautions to avoid exposure to mosquitoes this year. "Mosquito season begins in April in Dallas County," said county health director Zach Thompson in a news release, "so residents should take precautions immediately."
Thompson is asking citizens to be proactive at both their homes and workplaces.
The health department is also continuing of an education and prevention campaign that first began in January, sharing information with the people of Dallas County so that they can better protect against the troublesome insects.
There were 12 confirmed human cases of the West Nile virus in Dallas County last year, and 11 confirmed human cases of the Chikungunya virus.
"The fight against mosquito-borne viruses is a joint effort among us all," stated county health authority Dr. Christopher Perkins in the news release. "Stopping mosquitos where they breed by draining or treating standing water is especially crucial, but residents should adhere to all protection recommendations."
The methods of mosquito protection are commonly referred to as 'The 4 Ds.'
- DEET: Whenever outside, use insect repellents that contain DEET or another approved repellent.
- Dress: Wear long, loose, light-colored clothing while outside.
- Drain: Drain or treat standing water in and around your home and workplace.
- Dusk & Dawn: Limit outdoor activities during dusk and dawn hours, when mosquitos are most active.
Click here for more information about mosquito prevention from Dallas County Health and Human Services.