The City of Arlington has detected its first positive mosquito pool in a trap located near Caliente and Commander Court, just north of Green Oaks in South Arlington. The City will begin targeted ground spraying in an approximately half-mile radius around this location. This action plan is in line with recommendations from the COA Health Authority, Tarrant County Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Contractors will conduct targeted ground spraying on Sunday and Monday night, from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m., weather permitting. The City will use an ultra-low volume application of Permanone RTU, an oil-based Permethrin, in specific areas where larviciding and other measures have not proven effective.

"This time last year, the City of Arlington had 48 human cases of WNV," said Assistant Fire Chief David Carroll. "This year in the middle of August, we have just had our first positive mosquito sample and no human cases reported. This is a testament to how effective our proactive measures have been this season."

Employees and contractors have conducted routine trapping at 21 locations throughout the City since the beginning of the season. To date, the City has addressed 80 complaints regarding WNV at pools and known vacant homes. For months, crews have also surveyed low lying areas for standing water.

Although the targeted ground spraying poses no significant health risk, please observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of reactions:

• Whenever possible, stay indoors during spraying.
• Some individuals are sensitive to pesticides. Persons with asthma or other respiratory conditions are encouraged to stay inside during spraying since there is a possibility that spraying could worsen these conditions.
• Air conditioners may remain on. But if you wish to reduce the possibility of indoor exposure to pesticides, set the air conditioner vent to the closed position, or choose the recirculate function.
• Remove children's toys, outdoor equipment and clothes from outdoor areas during spraying. If these items are exposed to pesticides, wash with soap and water before using again.
• Remove pets, along with their food and water bowls, from outdoor areas during spraying.
• Wash skin and clothing exposed to pesticides with soap and water.
• Always wash your produce thoroughly before cooking or eating.
• Anyone experiencing adverse reactions to pesticides should seek medical care or call 9-1-1.

For more information on the City's ongoing efforts concerning West Nile Virus please visit webapps.arlingtontx.gov/tmp/westnile.