Mosquito Borne Disease Prevention

Prevent, Protect, Take Control

Using these 3 Steps:

Dress: in light-colored long sleeves and pants when you’re outside. For extra protection, you may want to spray thin clothing with repellent.

Drain: standing water in your backyard and neighborhood – bird baths, old tires, flowerpots, and clogged rain gutters. These are mosquito breeding sites. 

Defend: yourself by using DEET insect repellent. DEET is an ingredient to look for in your insect repellent. Follow label instructions, and always wear repellent when outdoors.

• Visit the EPA website for more information about active ingredients in repellents 

Take Action Around Your Home

Mosquitos love stagnant water and only need three to four days to reproduce. Take the steps to drain water from the following sites below:

• old tires
• flower pots
• clogged rain gutters
• pet animal bowls 
• unused pools 
• wheelbarrows 
• birdbaths 
• plastic kiddie pools 

Shallow Standing Water

For shallow standing water that cannot be eliminated, check regularly for the presence of mosquito larvae and if seen, apply a biological larvicide often referred to as ”mosquito dunks,” which are available at local hardware stores. For more information about BTI dunks, please visit Summit Chemical. 

Before traveling to a different region or country, become familiar with endemic diseases and local outbreaks that may be taking place during your visit. 

• Click here to learn more about health risk at your travel destinations

Please call City of Arlington Action Center at 817-459-6777 to report your concern.  

You may also file a complaint online: 

Ask Arlington

Adulticide (targeted ground spraying) isn’t the first line of defense against mosquitoes. It is one tool, in the tool belt in mosquito control activities.

City of Arlington follows an integrated mosquito management plan that aligns with the CDC's recommendation for mosquito borne diseases.

• Arlington will not spray for nuisance mosquito complaints
• Target spraying is conducted only when disease carrying mosquitos are detected and there is a risk to the public's health.

The spraying location, schedule and time will be provided to local media outlets, city’s website and social media sites. Additionally, you may see signs posted around your neighborhood indicating when there will be spraying activities. 

An educated and engaged public is essential in combating the spread of West Nile Virus and other mosquito borne illnesses. Effective mosquito virus control in the community requires the active participation of everyone.

Activities included in the cities integrated mosquito management plan:

• Trapping and testing during peak mosquito season 
• Timely response to citizen concerns
• Robust larviciding in and around public spaces such as:
  • storm drains
  • canals
  • city property 
• Public health education through presentations and community outreach 
• Collaboration with state and county's mosquito program 

The City of Arlington uses a water-based permethrin product for mosquito control, which has been determined by the EPA not to pose an unreasonable risk to human health. Furthermore, no specific risks to animals or the environment are expected when applied as directed and no special precautions are required.

• People who are concerned about exposure to a pesticide, such as those with chemical sensitivity or breathing conditions such as asthma can reduce their potential for exposure by staying indoors during the application period (typically nighttime).
• Once the pesticide product dissipates, it breaks down in the environment, producing little residual effect.

For more information on pesticides and health, consult the US Environmental Protection Agency, which oversees the registration of these chemicals. The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) can also provide information through a toll-free number, 1-800-858-7378 or online at National Pesticide Information Center. 

• American Mosquito Control Association
• CDC: West Nile Virus Information Page
• EPA: Mosquito Control
• Tarrant County Public Health
• Texas A&M Agrilife Extension
• Texas Department of State Health Services -West Nile Virus in Texas
• Texas Department of Health - West Nile Virus Public Health Response Guide 2004(PDF, 98KB)
• Please send us an e-mail at HealthPermits@ArlingtonTx.gov for any helpful handouts or flyers.

What You Need to Know:

• West Nile Virus (WNV) is a disease spread by mosquitoes.
• It can affect humans, birds, horses, and other animals.
• You can protect yourself by using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants to avoid mosquito bites.

How will I know I have WNV?

• It is confirmed by a blood test, accompanied by exposure and symptoms
• If a person does get sick after being bitten by an infected mosquito, symptoms usually start between 3 and 15 days later.
• About 80% of people infected with WNV do not get sick
• Around 20% may get mild symptoms called West Nile fever
• Fewer than 1% will develop a serious illness called West Nile neuroinvasive disease

Symptoms of West Nile Virus:

People over age 50 and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to get seriously ill.

Milder Symptoms – West Nile Fever:

• Low-grade fever (99.6°F to 100.3°F)
• Headache Body aches
• Rash (usually on the chest, back, or stomach)
• Swollen lymph nodes

Severe Symptoms – West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease:

• High fever (above 100.3°F)
• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Confusion or disorientation
• Tremors or shaking Seizures (convulsions)
• Muscle weakness
• Paralysis
• Coma

Severe cases may need hospital care. Most mild cases go away in a few days, but serious symptoms can last longer—and some effects may be permanent. Rarely, WNV can lead to death.

How Does West Nile Virus Spread?

WNV is NOT spread by casual contact, such as touching, hugging, or kissing someone who is sick.

Mosquito Bites: This is the most common way people get infected. Mosquitoes become carriers after biting infected birds.

Other Rare Ways:

• Blood transfusions or organ transplants
• From mother to baby during pregnancy or breastfeeding

Common Questions:

Can You Get West Nile Virus from Birds? 

No, there is no evidence that people can get West Nile Virus by touching or being near live or dead birds.

However, it’s still important to be safe when handling any dead animal:

• Do not use bare hands
• Use gloves or double plastic bags to pick up the bird
• Place it in the trash, following your local disposal guidelines

How Is West Nile Virus Treated?

There is no specific medicine or cure for West Nile Virus. Most people recover on their own without medical treatment.

For severe cases, hospital care may be needed. This can include: 

• Fluids through an IV (intravenous)
• Help with breathing (ventilator support if necessary)
• Care to prevent other infections
• Close monitoring and nursing support

Helpful Links:

• West Nile Virus
• Fact Sheet(PDF, 180KB)

What You Need to Know:

• Zika is a virus mainly spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, which can bite during the day and night.

How will I know I have Zika?

• Most people who get Zika do not show symptoms—but they can still pass the virus to others.
• If symptoms do appear, they are usually mild and last from a few days to a week.

Symptoms of Zika:

• Mild fever (99.6°F to 100.3°F)
• Rash
• Joint pain
• Red eyes (conjunctivitis)

How Does Zika Spread?

• Mosquito bites (most common way)
• From pregnant mother to baby during pregnancy or around the time of birth – this can lead to serious birth defects
• Through sexual contact – Zika can be passed between partners, even if the infected person has no symptoms
• Zika does not usually make pets or livestock sick.

Common Questions:

How to Protect Yourself from Zika

There is no vaccine or specific treatment for Zika. The best way to stay safe is to prevent infection.

Ways to Protect Yourself:

• Use EPA-registered insect repellent
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants
• Sleep under a mosquito bed net if your room doesn’t have air conditioning or screens, or if you're sleeping outdoors
• Practice safe sex: use male or female condoms and avoid unprotected sex if you or your partner have been in areas with Zika risk

Helpful Links:

• Zika Virus

Please see the Zika virus information video provided by the CDC:

What You Need to Know:

• Chikungunya virus is mainly spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, especially Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.

How will I know I have Chikungunya? 

• Most people who are infected with chikungunya will show symptoms. These usually appear 4 to 8 days after being bitten.
• Most people feel better within a week, but some may have joint pain lasting for months.

Common Symptoms of Chikungunya

Serious illness is rare, but certain people are at higher risk of complications, including: newborns infected during birth, adults over age 65 people with conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease.

• Fever (99.6°F to 100.3°F)
• Joint pain
• Other Possible Symptoms:
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Joint swelling
• Rash

How is Chikungunya Spread?

The virus is NOT spread from person-to-person and is not spread through coughing, sneezing, or touching

•  Because of the high level of virus in blood, spread can occur through:

  • Blood transfusion
  • Handling infected blood in the laboratory
  • Drawing blood from an infected patient

Common Questions:

Where Has Chikungunya Been Found? 

Local transmission has occurred in parts of the U.S., including:

• Florida
• South Texas
• Puerto Rico
• U.S. Virgin Islands 

How Can You Protect Yourself While Traveling?

To avoid mosquito bites in areas with chikungunya:

• Use EPA-registered insect repellents
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants
• Stay in places with air conditioning or window/door screens
• Use mosquito nets if sleeping outdoors or in unscreened areas

Learn More:

• Chikungunya

What You Need to Know:

• Chikungunya virus is mainly spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, especially Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
• There are four types of dengue virus, which means a person can get dengue up to four times in their lifetime.

How will I know I have Dengue:

• Symptoms usually begin 4 to 10 days after a mosquito bite and can last about one to two weeks.

Common Symptoms of Dengue: 

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Joint pain
• Muscle or bone pain
• Skin rash
• Mild bleeding (like nosebleeds, bleeding gums, small red spots on the skin, or easy bruising)
• Low white blood cell count

Severe dengue is rare but can cause life-threatening complications such as bleeding, shock, or organ failure

Common Questions:

Is There a Vaccine or Treatment?

There is no specific treatment for dengue. Most people recover with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers (not aspirin or NSAIDs).

A dengue vaccine is approved only for children aged 9–16 who:

• Have had a lab-confirmed dengue infection, and
• Live in areas where dengue is common
• The vaccine is not approved for U.S. travelers who are just visiting dengue-risk areas.

Learn More:

• Dengue Virus

What You Need to Know?

• About 2,000 cases of malaria are diagnosed in the U.S. each year.
• Malaria is a serious—and sometimes fatal—disease caused by a parasite that is spread to people by infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
• These mosquitoes bite humans to get blood for egg production. When they carry the malaria parasite, they can pass it to people through their bites.
• Malaria was a common cause for illness and death in the United States until the 1950's. Due to advances in mosquito control and improved sanitation the risk has significantly decreased in most countries worldwide. However, malaria is still prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. 

How will I know I have Malaria?

• Malaria symptoms often resemble the flu and typically appear 7 to 30 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Common Symptoms of Malaria:

• Fever and flu-like illness
• Shaking chills
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue

In some cases, malaria can cause:

• Anemia due to the loss of red blood cells)
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

If not treated promptly, malaria can become severe and lead to:

• Kidney failure
• Seizures
• Mental confusion
• Coma
• Death

Common Questions? 

Is There a Vaccine or Treatment?

There is different drugs to prevent Malaria according to the country of travel. Consider personal measures long with malaria chemoprophylaxis.

• Choosing a Drug to Prevent Malaria   

Learn More:

• Malaria