I'm concerned about West Nile Virus spraying near my home.

"If you have questions or concerns about the scheduled spraying, please call the City of Arlington Action Center at 817-459-6777."

My home is not located on the spray map for West Nile Virus. Is the City able to spray in my area?

"The City of Arlington, in coordination with the Arlington Health Authority and our contracted Vector Control Specialist, follow the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for disease prevention in spraying a ½ mile radius from a positive mosquito trap location. We spray only in response to clear evidence indicating mosquitoes in the area are infected with the WNV."

How Is West Nile Virus Spread?

• Infected Mosquitoes. Most often, WNV is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread WNV to humans and other animals when they bite.
• Transfusions, Transplants, and Mother-to-Child. In a very small number of cases, WNV also has been spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, breastfeeding and even during pregnancy from mother to baby.
• Not through touching. WNV is not spread through casual contact such as touching or kissing a person with the virus.

What is being done to protect residents against West Nile Virus?

The City of Arlington relies upon surveillance, both by residents and City crews, to identify and eliminate any standing water which could serve as a breeding place for mosquitoes and larvae. Typically larvae will thrive in still, shallow water less than 15 inches deep. Bird baths, pet bowls, wading pools, tire swings or any similar receptacle with standing water can serve as a breeding place for mosquitoes.

The City utilizes progressive methods of protection which include public education, larvacide, and adulticide.

For more information, please visit http://www.arlingtontx.gov/westnile.

You can also watch MyArlingtonTV's "Ask Arlington" segment featuring Assistant Fire Chief David Stapp answering questions about West Nile Virus prevention.