City of Garland Health Department
Zika
On Aug. 19, 2016 the Garland Health Department (GHD) received confirmation of an active case of Zika virus in Garland in the 1900 block of Palo Duro Drive (near the intersection of Castle Drive and Centerville Road). The individual was infected with the virus during recent travel to Central America. The Zika virus is transmitted from person to person by mosquitoes and the infected individual returned to Garland during the disease phase when they were capable of transmitting Zika via mosquitoes. Transmission via mosquito was possible as early as Aug. 17.
Common symptoms of Zika virus are fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes). Illness can last several days to a week and severe cases may require hospitalization. Only one in five individuals experience symptoms. More importantly, Zika virus has been associated with birth defects including microcephaly and fetal losses.
Zika is an emerging virus spread from person to person by Aedes mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters that typically lay eggs in artificial containers (buckets, bowls, animal dishes, vases, flower pots, etc.). Since there is no vaccine or cure for Zika, prevention is paramount. Protect yourself, your family and your neighbors by practicing the 4 Ds that prevent mosquito-borne diseases (including Zika, West Nile Virus, Chikungunya, and Dengue)
DEET all day, every day. Use insect repellants that contain DEET. Always follow label instructions.
Dress to prevent mosquito bites. Wear light colored long sleeves and pants whenever outside.
Drain and remove all standing water near your home, especially artificial containers. Report any standing water that you cannot drain to the GHD at 972-205-3720, via email at [email protected] or via the eAssist app.
Dusk & Dawn are the times of day that mosquitoes are most active. Limit outdoor activity during these times.
GHD will monitor the area near the infected individual’s home to assess mosquito activity and will take appropriate measures to protect public health. For additional information on Zika virus, or other mosquito-borne diseases visit the GHD webpage
West Nile Virus
The Garland Health Department (GHD) received a report of a laboratory confirmed human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in an individual who lives on Springbranch Drive (near the intersection of Duck Creek Drive and Colonel Drive). This is the first confirmed human case reported in Garland in 2016. The resident was diagnosed with West Nile neuroinvasive disease, the most severe form of WNV infection.
GHD will initiate adulticide spraying throughout the surrounding area between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. tonight, weather permitting. If rain or winds in excess of 10 mph prohibit spraying tonight, the area will be sprayed at the first opportunity.
Thus far in 2016, WNV has been detected in 30 mosquito samples trapped in Garland. The presence of WNV in mosquitoes means transmission to humans is possible throughout the city, so residents are urged to take preventive measures. Citizens can view a map depicting areas where WNV virus has been detected and subsequently sprayed to reduce the adult mosquito population on the City of Garland webpage. Spraying activity also will be announced on the City’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
WNV rarely causes severe illness or death, but citizens should remain vigilant and take common sense precautions to minimize the risk of exposure. To protect yourself from exposure to WNV, limit outdoor activity during evening and early morning hours when mosquitoes are most active. While outdoors, wear light-colored, long sleeve clothing and use an insect repellent containing DEET, according to its label directions. Most importantly, citizens should take measures to eliminate any standing water on their property, such as birdbaths (clean twice per week), pet water dishes, clogged rain gutters, tires and buckets. Containers that can hold water for just a few days can breed mosquitoes. Report any standing water that you are not able to personally eliminate to the GHD.
If you have questions or would like to report standing water, call the GHD’s mosquito control hotline at 972-205-3720. For additional information about WNV, call 972-205-3460 or visit GarlandTx.gov.
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