Weather permitting, DCHHS will conduct targeted spraying along two paths between 9 p.m.-5 a.m. on July 22 and July 23, according to a July 22 news release.
The details
The first route is enclosed by East Sandy Lake Road to the north, the Elm Fork of the Trinity River to the east, and East Belt Line Road to the south. Creekside Lane, Spring Oak Lane, Falcon Lane and Mockingbird Lane make the border for the route to the west, per the release.
The second route is enclosed by East Sandy Lake Road to the north and Creekside, Spring Oak, Falcon and Mockingbird lanes to the east. Both East Belt Line Road and Meadowcreek Road are on the southern border of the route. Oakcrest Lane and Sout Heartz Road are along the western border.
Coppell Environmental Health Department staff conduct mosquito control activities throughout the year, but increases those efforts from April through October—the most active mosquito season in North Texas. The department works along with the Texas Department of State Health Services, DCHHS and other health departments in the area to conduct surveillance and testing of the mosquito population for diseases including West Nile virus, according to city documents.
Mosquito trapping begins in the spring and continues until mosquito activity decreases in early fall.
What you need to know
West Nile virus is most commonly spread to humans through infected mosquitoes bites, which get the virus by feeding on infected birds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In few cases, the virus can spread through exposure in a laboratory setting, blood transfusion or organ transplant, or from mother to infant during pregnancy, birth or breast feeding.
Only about 1 in 5 people infected with the virus develops symptoms, which can include a fever, a headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea and/or a rash. Most patients recover completely but can experience fatigue and weakness for months, according to the CDC.
No preventive vaccine or medication treatment is available for West Nile virus. However, rest, fluids and over-the-counter pain medicines can relieve some symptoms. People who think they may have the virus should consult a health provider.
Also of note
If weather prevents crews from spraying it will be rescheduled on the next available evening, according to the release. Residents are asked to continue eliminating standing water from containers and low-lying areas in and around homes and businesses.
As a precaution, when spraying takes place residents are enouraged to stay indoors. The purpose of spraying is to reduce the infected mosquito population, thus reducing the risk to residents and animals.
More information about mosquito prevention can be found here.
