Early West Nile case prompts Tarrant County to remind public of simple mosquito safety tips

Fort Worth, Texas – As mosquito season kicks off across Texas, public health officials are urging residents in Tarrant County to take swift and simple actions to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. Already, Tarrant County Public Health has confirmed its first positive West Nile virus result of the season from mosquito trap sites in Fort Worth.

West Nile virus, which is transmitted through mosquito bites, can cause serious health issues in humans, including fever, headaches, joint pain, and in some cases, neurological complications. The warning comes as officials remind residents that even a small number of infected mosquitoes can spark significant outbreaks across neighborhoods and communities.

With the active mosquito season at its start, residents can take a few simple actions to protect themselves, as well as their neighbors, health officials stated.

Adult mosquitoes thrive outdoors but can just as easily survive indoors, continuing to bite throughout the day and into the evening. To reduce the risk of infection, Tarrant County Public Health advises all residents to follow these important, preventative steps:

• Dump standing water in and around your home by emptying and scrubbing all outdoor containers such as pools, toys, planters, birdbaths, and trash containers.

• Tightly cover water storage containers such as buckets, cisterns, and rain barrels so that mosquitoes cannot get inside to lay eggs.

• Clean out gutters to avoid standing water. Examine gutters for damage that would cause water to collect.

• Inspect your yard after every rain event and empty any containers or areas where water has collected. Also, watch for puddles where condensation gathers from the AC unit.

• Use screens on windows and doors and repair holes in the screens.

• Apply insect repellent on your body and clothing anytime you are outside! Long sleeves and pants are suggested.

• IMPORTANT: Use insect repellent with one of these active ingredients: DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon/eucalyptus or other EPA-approved repellent.

Officials emphasize that early action and community-wide participation are key to reducing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases this season.