The City of Abilene is once again spraying insecticide after routine mosquito testing confirmed positive cases of West Nile virus in two neighborhoods. Crews began spraying over the weekend to target the evening hours, when the infected mosquitoes are most active.
West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. According to the CDC, most people never develop symptoms. About one in five will experience fever, headache, body aches, or rash. A very small percentage -- roughly one in 150 -- may face serious illness affecting the brain and nervous system, such as encephalitis or meningitis.
The city's Environmental Health Department has activated its phased response, which means spraying is limited to affected areas only to help protect beneficial insects and wildlife. The current treatment zone covers a one-mile radius around the 600 block of Walnut Street. Boundaries include:
As our City of Abilene health officials say, follow the "Four Ds":
The Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District also has a limited supply of larvicide available free to residents in the treatment area (first-come, first-served). Call 325-692-5600 or stop by 850 North 6th Street for details.
I've always believed prevention starts at home. Planting mint, marigolds, lavender, basil, rosemary, citronella grass, garlic, eucalyptus, lemon balm, and catnip helps repel mosquitoes because of their strong scent, and the natural oils these plants produce help keep mosquitoes at bay.
Instead of using chemical-heavy sprays with DEET, I reach for something safer, especially around kids. My favorite life hack is Vicks VapoRub. A small dab on my neck, arms, and forehead works like a charm to keep those little critters away, or at least they can't detect skin in which to bite. NOTE: may have said the VapoRub is not a great deterrent. However, for me and my kids, it has worked for years.