August 28, 2009

One Case of West Nile Virus Confirmed in Arlington
Residents Are Reminded to Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Areas

The City of Arlington has received confirmation from Tarrant County Public Health of one doctor-reported human case of West Nile Virus. The general vicinity is the Woodland West area of west Arlington, north of Park Row Drive, south of Division Street, east of Forest Edge Drive and west of Duff Drive.

To date, there are no reports of serious illness or death associated with West Nile Virus in Arlington.

“We are reminding residents to remove all stagnant or standing water in places where mosquitoes can breed,” said Lee Hitchcock, director of the Community Services Department.

With public education materials in print and electronic forms, the City of Arlington is spreading the word, encouraging residents to stay indoors during the hours immediately preceding and immediately after dawn and dusk. Throughout the city, residents are being asked to help reduce mosquito populations. They are being reminded to dress in light-colored, long-sleeve clothing when outside and use an insect repellent containing DEET.

Health officials in the Community Services Department are surveying creeks and drainage areas as well as notifying schools, childcare centers, outdoor activity centers and nursing home facilities about the virus.

The best tools are education and self protection, said Arlington Mayor Robert Cluck.

“We are calling on all residents of Arlington to take personal responsibility for protecting themselves from this virus,” he said.

The Community Services Department has developed a response plan based on guidelines established by the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Center for Disease Control. The plan emphasizes source reduction and personal protection.
Information in English and Spanish is available on the City of Arlington web site at www.arlingtontx.gov/health/infectiousdiseases.html.

Read about the "4 D's" and obtain additional information about personal protection and how to eliminate mosquito breeding by calling 817-459-6777.