How can I reduce the chance of getting mosquito borne illnesses?

Avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes! No amount of mosquito control can completely prevent diseases associated with mosquitoes. Taking simple precautions makes a big difference in the likelihood of getting WNV or other mosquito transmitted diseases.

Remember the 3 D’s:

• Dress in long sleeves and pants when you’re outside. For extra protection, you may want to spray thin clothing with repellent.
• DEET is an ingredient to look for in your insect repellent. Follow label instructions, and always wear repellent when outdoors.
• Drain standing water in your yard and neighborhood where mosquitoes can breed. This includes old tires, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, etc. Mosquitoes may develop in any water stagnant for more than three or four days. 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”, available at local hardware stores.
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Prevention is the best defense against mosquito borne illnesses. Arlington residents are encouraged to identify, reduce and treat mosquito breeding sites around their property. Please see the video from Tarrant County Public Health for further information.

What is being done to protect residents against mosquito borne illnesses?

Along with residents, the City of Arlington staff and our vector control contractor also identify and treat mosquito breeding sites. Mosquito trapping and testing occurs throughout the City from April through late fall. City staff is available to assist residents with disease prevention recommendations including personal protective measures and property source reduction. An educated and engaged public is essential in combating the spread of WNV and other mosquito borne illnesses. Effective mosquito virus control in the community requires the active participation of everyone.

The City provides pertinent information to the public regarding mosquito borne illnesses through the City’s websites, local media outlets and City of Arlington social media sites. Additionally, public health education material is displayed at various locations throughout the City where residents frequent.

Would the City of Arlington ever spray for mosquitoes?

Adulticide (targeted ground spraying) isn’t the first line of defense against mosquitoes. Health authorities have concurred it is a less effective means of protection against mosquito borne illness. However, if the problem does progress and there is a need for mitigation beyond surveillance and larvicide, the City of Arlington is prepared to move forward with targeted ground spraying. A positive case for a mosquito borne illness may prompt targeted ground spraying in the affected area.

Will the public be notified in advance about spraying activities?

The spraying location, schedule and time will be provided to local media outlets, City’s websites and social media sites.

What health risks are posed to people, pets, and the environment from pesticides for adult mosquitoes?

Effect on human health is one of the primary factors considered in regulation of pesticides. 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.

According to a study by the CDC, researchers examined illnesses in nine states associated with exposure to pesticides used to control mosquito populations. This study found that “application of certain insecticides poses a low risk for acute, temporary health effects among person in areas that were sprayed and among workers handling and applying insecticides.”

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 www.npic.orst.edu.

Who do I contact if I have a mosquito related question/concern?

City of Arlington Action Center, 817-459-6777
(If prompted, please leave a detailed message. Messages are checked after hours for time sensitive issues. A member of our team will contact you to discuss your concern and investigate as needed).

Zika Virus

Zika virus is primarily spread to people through mosquito bites. Approximately 80% of people infected with the virus do not become ill. For those who do develop symptoms, illness is generally mild and typically lasts a few days to a week. The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus are aggressive daytime biters.

Zika virus is a new, emerging threat and the City’s response will be adapted to address the changing needs with guidance from Tarrant County Public Health, Texas Department of State Health Services, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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

West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito borne virus that can infect humans, birds, horses and other mammals. You can reduce your risk of being infected with WNV by using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing to prevent mosquito bites. There are no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent WNV infection. Fortunately, most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. About 1 in 5 people who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms. Less than 1% of infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, neurologic illness.

What Are The Symptoms Of The West Nile Virus?

Most people who are infected with WNV either have no symptoms (80%) or experience a mild or moderate illness with symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, or body aches before fully recovering. It is estimated that 20% of people who become infected with WNV will develop West Nile Fever. Of these, 1/150 persons may develop the more serious neuroinvasive West Nile.

Some persons may also develop a rash or swollen lymph glands. In some individuals, particularly persons 50 years of age and older, WNV can cause serious brain and spinal tissue damage. Severe illness may include encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), or acute flaccid paralysis (a polio-like syndrome in which muscles become very weak or paralyzed). Other severe symptoms may include headache, high fever, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting, confusion, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and/or paralysis. At its most serious, WNV can cause permanent neurological damage and death. Among those people who need to be hospitalized for WNV, 10-15% die of their illness. People who do develop symptoms normally become ill 3-15 days following the bite of an infected mosquito.

How Is West Nile Virus Spread?

• Infected Mosquitoes. Most often, WNV is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread WNV to humans and other animals when they bite.
• Transfusions, Transplants, and Mother-to-Child. In a very small number of cases, WNV also has been spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, breastfeeding and even during pregnancy from mother to baby.
• Not through touching. WNV is not spread through casual contact such as touching or kissing a person with the virus.

Can you get West Nile Virus directly from birds?

There is no evidence that a person can get the virus from handling live or dead infected birds. However, persons should avoid bare-handed contact when handling any dead animals and use gloves or double plastic bags to place the carcass in a garbage can.

How is West Nile Virus treated?

There is no specific treatment for WNV. Most people who become infected will get better on their own. In more severe cases, intensive supportive therapy is indicated, i.e., hospitalization, intravenous (IV) fluids and nutrition, airway management, ventilator support if needed, prevention of secondary infections and proper nursing care.

How long does it take to get sick if bitten by an infected mosquito?

Most people who are infected with WNV have no symptoms or experience only mild illness. If illness does occur, symptoms generally appear between 3 to 15 days of being bitten by an infected mosquito. 

Chikungunya Virus

Chikungunya virus is transmitted to people by mosquitoes. The most common symptoms of Chikungunya virus infection are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. In late 2013, Chikungunya virus was found for the first time in the Americas on islands in the Caribbean. There is a risk that the virus will be imported to new areas by infected travelers. There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Chikungunya virus infection. Travelers can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. When traveling to countries with Chikungunya virus, use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens. Mosquitoes that spread Chikungunya virus are aggressive daytime biters.