Update: City of Rockwall – Mosquito Fogging Program

(ROCKWALL, TX – Aug. 18, 2016) Due to wet weather conditions this week, the City of Rockwall has been unable to administer the fogging program. Beginning Monday, August 22, City crews will resume fogging in a one-mile radius in areas where mosquitoes have been trapped and tested positive for West Nile virus. These areas include the neighborhoods around Raymond Cameron Lake on the north and south side of Caruth Lane, the area north of FM 552 / Dalton Road, west of SH 205 and the Lake Rockwall Estates neighborhood which is north of FM 3097, east of Tubbs Road. These focused areas of fogging will consist of spraying each area three times per week for two weeks. City crews have been fogging streets between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. The City will continue to trap and test mosquitoes for West Nile virus.

The City will continue to take appropriate action as necessary throughout the remainder of the season. If you would like to request that your residence not be sprayed, please call (972) 771-7761 or email the Parks & Recreation Department at wyoung@rockwall.com. For more information, please visit http://www.rockwall.com/mosquito.asp.

The City of Rockwall is encouraging residents to take proactive steps to reduce the risk of contracting West Nile virus. Residents should use insect repellent when outdoors, especially at dusk and dawn. Humans can contract West Nile virus from a mosquito bite. Infected mosquitoes get the virus from feeding on infected birds and mammals. The virus can cause serious illness or death. West Nile symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and bone aches, nausea and drowsiness. Individuals with the milder form of illness typically recover on their own, although symptoms may last for several weeks. Up to 80 percent of people infected with West Nile virus will have no symptoms and will recover on their own. There are no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent West Nile virus infection. People over 50 years old, young children, and those with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill when they become infected with the virus. If people have symptoms that cause them concern, they should contact their healthcare provider.

To reduce exposure to West Nile virus:

• Use an approved insect repellent every time you go outside and follow the instructions on the label. Approved repellents are those that contain DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Regularly drain standing water, including water that collects in empty cans, tires, buckets, clogged rain gutters and saucers under potted plants. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water.
• Wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Use air conditioning or make sure there are screens on all doors and windows to keep mosquitoes from entering the home.

For additional information about West Nile virus and prevention, visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/wnv_factsheet.htm

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