DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – As the number of human cases of West Nile Virus continues to increase, so does spraying against the mosquitoes who carry the disease.
The cities of Dallas, Rowlett and Flower Mound will spend Monday evening spraying residential areas with insecticide to stop the spread of West Nile, which has killed 5 people and infected over 180 people in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
The two additional deaths were announced Monday, both patients were residents of the North Dallas neighborhood that lies directly north of University Park
Dallas County Health and Human Services director Zachary Thompson says he's asked for more resources from the state. He says most cities have enough insecticide to last through a normal mosquito season, but says this season has been anything but normal.
Thompson says Texas is currently leading the nation in West Nile infections and deaths. "We're talking about a third-world disease impacting a 21st century country."
The Dallas County Department of Health and Human Services have asked people to use the 4 D's method when fighting West Nile:
–use Insect repellents that contain DEET
–Drain any standing water
–Dress in long, loose and light-colored clothing and
–take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing from Dusk to Dawn.
Spraying in the cities will take place starting late Monday evening. Dallas will begin spraying the city Monday night, focusing on the southern sectors of the city Monday, before moving to the northern part of the city Wednesday.
For more information on what you can do to combat the West Nile Virus, click here.
