CM Report
Mosquito Update
August 16th 2016
Good evening Mayor and members and of the City Council. This presentation will cover the current situation with West Nile Virus and Zika virus
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Mosquito Activity in Tarrant County
Two sets of data above: the first shows the number of mosquitoes in each trap in relation to the vector index (the vector index shows how much WNV is present in the environment); the
second shows the percentage of mosquitos pools positive for WNV. While the graphs provide a lot of information, the critical information is that they both show a consistent activity
spike in August.
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Southlake Mosquito Activity
We are seeing West Nile Virus numbers as a region that we have not seen since 2012. We are also dealing with a new threat in the form of the Zika virus. The situation is very fluid and
we generally experience most of our WNV activity in August, but we do not generally leave mosquito season until November! There is a long way to go and worst may still be on the way;
last Wednesday, four mosquito traps tested positive for the WNV! While our response efforts are in full force, we need the public to take as many actions as they can to help control
the mosquito population.
What about Zika? With Zika being an emerging threat, there is no baseline data. This essentially means we do not know what to expect, only to be as prepared
as possible in order to account for the unknowns.
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Zika and WNV in the News
Dallas County Confirms 22nd Case of Zika Virus
Tarrant County Confirms Seventh Case of Zika Virus
Infant in Houston death linked to Zika
10 pregnant women in Dallas County tested positive for Zika, health director says
Tarrant County Considers Aerial Spraying for Mosquitoes
Zika fear prompts travel warning for Miami, CDC’s first in U.S.
Dallas County Confirms First West Nile Virus Death of 2016
First death in North Texas linked to West Nile virus.
Every day there is a headline talking about Zika and West Nile viruses and the impacts they have both locally and across the country. The situation is constantly changing and right now
we are anxiously watching the mosquito counts as we move through August which is when we typically see our highest mosquito counts of the season.
Yes – it does mention aerial spraying.
This is a possibility, but this is the most extreme response to mosquitoes. There are many hurdles (lots of money and politics) that would need to be overcome for aerial spraying to
become a reality, but it is within the realm of possibility should the situation intensify. Currently, we are actively working with Tarrant County Public Health to make sure we take
the most appropriate action, and we will provide updates should the conversation change in regards to aerial spraying.
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Partnering for Success We can’t be successful on our own, but together we can make a difference
City Responsibilities
Trap and monitor the mosquito population
Treat mosquito sources
Spray in response to positive traps
Provide information to the community
Personal Responsibility
Wear EPA-approved insect repellent (DEET or picaridin)
Dress in long sleeves
Drain standing water
Be aware of your surroundings
The City of Southlake has become very efficient and proactive at addressing mosquito threats through aggressive larviciding programs, public outreach, and spraying as needed. But this
isn’t enough on its own. To ensure Southlake remains resilient while mosquito traps in the cities around us continue to test positive for the West Nile Virus*, we must continue to seek
the public’s support. By partnering with our residents and business owners and making sure everyone takes the personal preparedness measures recommended above, we can help mitigate more
severe impacts and keep Southlake from making headlines.
DEET and picaridin are safe for children and pregnant women.
*** WNV is tested for in traps, Zika is monitored in people
and because of health laws, that information is not as available.
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Learn How to Fight the Bite!
Zika information display in the lobby
CityofSouthlake.com/
mosquitoresponse
MySouthlakeNews
Southlake DPS Facebook
Tarrant County Public Health
Centers for Disease Control
There is a ton of information about personal preparedness steps that can be taken in regards to Zika and WNV. We have consolidated critical information on the City of Southlake mosquito
response pages. We will also continue to provide updates through social media and MySotuhlakeNews in regards to our mosquito response efforts.
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Questions?
Ben Williamson
Office of Emergency Management
817.748.8624
Wade Carroll
Fire Department
817.748.8146
If you have any questions about our vector control efforts, please contact Ben Williamson with Emergency Management or Wade Carroll with the Fire Department.
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