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The city of Plano plans to spray for mosquitoes in various areas around the city after three separate traps tested positive for the West Nile virus.
Workers will begin spraying around the three sites at 9 p.m. Oct. 28, according to a city announcement.
One site is located in the area around Schell Park north of East Park Boulevard and south of Bigleaf Court.
A second spray area is around White Rock Trail Park, north of West Plano Parkway and south of West Park Boulevard.
The third site is around the Prestonwood neighborhood, north of West Plano Parkway and south of Harkness Drive.
Environmental Quality Supervisor Keith White said in a September interview positive West Nile tests are somewhat common in the region, but the city still takes them seriously.
“Unfortunately, we're seeing cities get West Nile positives all over DFW,” White said. “Our goal is to protect public health. ... West Nile is our most common virus that we are seeing from mosquitoes.”
According to a city release, Plano’s Environmental Quality Division team is surveying the areas around the traps to determine ways to reduce mosquito habitats. Some options include eliminating stagnant water, mowing tall weeds, and maintaining densely vegetated areas.
City officials said residents should ensure children and pets are indoors during the time of the spraying.
According to White, the city sets and checks mosquito traps across Plano every week from March through October. If a mosquito tests positive for West Nile virus, officials send out trucks and spray around the entire area to mitigate the potential spread of the virus.
“We spray within a half-mile radius around the trap location,” White said. “We will also drive the neighborhoods and spray up and down the streets.”
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, remembering the “Four Ds” is important to defend against West Nile virus.
