West Nile Affecting Local Nat'l Night Out Events
NORTH TEXAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Because of concerns over the West Nile Virus, two North Texas cities are making adjustments to their handling of National Night Out activities.
National Night Out is meant to strengthen neighborhoods by encouraging community anti-crime participation.
Appropriately so, National Night Out events generally begin in the evening, the exact time North Texans have been told to stay indoors as to protect against mosquito bites and potential West Nile infection.
Officials in DeSoto announced the city's Night Out block parties will be rescheduled to October .
"7:00-9:00 o'clock is the height of feeding time for the mosquitos, so we're really trying to encourage folks not to come out and we will schedule this again in October for them to come out, and have fun and meet their neighbors," DeSoto Mayor Sherman told CBS 11 News.
DeSoto police will still attend the five neighborhood association events that they previously committed to.
Concern for DeSoto citizens also increased recently after health officials confirmed that several area mosquito samples tested positive for West Nile.
Leaders in Frisco are allowing residents there to re-schedule their National Night Out parties if they choose. As it stands, city officials will still support parties gong on tonight and make official visits.
Frisco leaders plan to reschedule any National Night Out events in October, but haven't chosen an exact date.
Anyone out this evening is encouraged to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from West Nile exposure.
While human West Nile infection is rare, as a precaution against mosquito bites and potential infection North Texans should:
- Stay indoors at dawn, dusk and in the early evening
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors
- Spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin or DEET
- Repair or replace all screens in your home that have tears or holes
- Eliminate standing water that collects on your property
Last year more than 37 million private citizens, law enforcement officials, civic groups, businesses and local officials participated in National Night Out.
National Night Out organizers say the event is an inexpensive program that "promotes neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships" and ultimately helps lead to a safer nation.
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