Frisco plans increased surveillance after mosquito pool tests positive for West Nile virus

The city of Frisco announced May 14 that it will increase surveillance in the Creekside at Preston neighborhood on the city's northeast side after a mosquito pool tested positive for West Nile virus.

The neighborhood is near the intersection of McCommas Drive and Michelle Drive. Surveillance will also be increased in the neighborhoods for Panther Creek Estates and Dominion at Panther Creek. No treatments are planned at this time, the city stated.

“It’s earlier than usual to have a ‘positive’ test pool, so now is a good time to refresh yourself on the best ways to minimize mosquitoes in your yard and how to fight the bite,” Frisco Environmental Health Supervisor Julie Fernandez said in a news release.

Per the city's Mosquito Surveillance and Response Plan, testing this year for West Nile virus began May 1. No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported this year in Frisco, according to the city.

West Nile virus is typically spread when people are bitten by an infected mosquito. The neuroinvasive disease may cause fever, headache, body aches, a skin rash and swollen lymph nodes.

The city shared a list of precautions for West Nile virus promoted by the Texas Department of State Health Services:

• Use approved insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus every time you go outside.
• Drain standing water that collects in bird baths, French drains, clogged gutters, saucers under potted plants and “splash blocks” at the end of gutter down-spouts.
• Wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk.
• Use air conditioning, and make sure doors and windows have intact screens.