Mosquito tests positive for West Nile virus in Abilene

ABILENE, Texas ( KTAB/KRBC ) – After a mosquito tested positive for West Nile virus, the City of Abilene will spray the majority of the southern part of town on Thursday.

On Wednesday, the city shared that a mosquito within city limits tested positive for West Nile virus. The city plans to spray the area where it was found at 10:00 p.m. Thursday, August 29.

“The type of mosquito found infected with West Nile virus is known to be active in the evening hours. City staff will spray during hours while the mosquitos are active to ensure the insecticide is most effective,” the city shared.

The Abilene Taylor County Public Health District has reviewed the positive test result in the 79602 zip code, which was found during routine testing. Spraying will take place from:

• Northern point: 300 Block Mesquite Street & 700 Block North 4th Street
• Southern point: 900 Block Ben Richey Drive & 4700 Block Boys Ranch Road
• Eastern point: 2100 Block Westminster Drive & 1400 Block Kingwood Circle
• Western point: 2200 Block Oakwood Lane & 2220 Block Hollis Drive

The department is working to notify residents and will conduct spraying in the area overnight from Thursday into Friday. While the insecticide is approved for treatment by the Environmental Protection Agency, residents in the area are asked to remain indoors while the city sprays. If you are in a vehicle while spraying is taking place, you should remain in the vehicle with the windows up and the air conditioner off until the trucks pass and the spray is no longer visible.

Residents should keep animals indoors until the fog clears and the residue is dry. If contact with the spray occurs, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water.

The West Nile virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Residents are encouraged to:

• Dress in long sleeves and pants when outside
• Use insect repellent containing DEET
• Drain standing water in your yard and neighborhood
• Avoid being outdoors during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active

“Studies continually prove the most effective means of preventing mosquito-borne illness is to prevent mosquito breeding.  The City of Abilene Environmental Health Department uses a phased response approach to mosquito treatment, which limits the spraying of insecticide to when mosquito-borne illness is detected through routine surveillance. This practice also works best to protect beneficial insects and wildlife in our area,” the city shared .

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