FORNEY, Texas — A Travis Ranch resident reported contracting the West Nile virus after being bitten by several mosquitoes outside their home on New Braunfels Trail and the Home Owners Association (HOA) says they are prepared to begin ground mosquito spraying.
FORNEY, Texas — A Travis Ranch resident reported contracting the West Nile virus after being bitten by several mosquitoes outside their home on New Braunfels Trail and the Home Owners Association (HOA) says they are prepared to begin ground mosquito spraying.
The Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) confirmed the report as a West Nile fever case — making it the second human case of West Nile virus reported this year. This first case was reported in May in Harris County and the patient contracted the more serious neuroinvasive form of the disease.
Travis Ranch Senior Association Manager Danielle Lascalere said the HOA has contracted with the same contractor providing mosquito spraying for the City of Forney to begin ground spraying in-line with the city’s schedule. The city’s next scheduled spray date is on Sunday, June 21, 2015. (See below for full schedule.)
Kaufman County officials say residents should not be alarmed by the report and advise residents to take precautionary measures such as using an approved insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus; drain standing water; wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active; and ensure there are screens on all doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home.
Kaufman County Precinct 2 Constable Jason Johnson says residents can also take extra precautions by spraying their own yard with mosquito insecticides or repellents.
Typically the county would not spray for mosquitoes in the rural county areas because ground spraying would not be effective and aerial spraying estimates exceed $1 million, according to Kaufman County Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Steve Howie. HOAs are responsible for spraying in their neighborhoods, he said.
Last year, no West Nile cases were reported in Kaufman County. In 2013, two cases were reported and, in 2012, 11 cases were reported, according to data from the TDSHS.
Windmill Farms is also ground spraying for mosquitoes in all common areas and around all water ways and ponds on June 22, July 6, and July 20, according to their website. Spraying is currently not being conducted in Heartland where the HOA Community Manager Dodie Slama says they have not received any complaints of mosquitoes.
The spraying in the Forney city limits, Heartland, and Windmill Farms will be conducted between the hours of 8:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. on the scheduled days. The contractor is using a water soluble spray to fog for mosquitoes which will not harm animals under normal conditions but may leave a residue and a mild odor.
The City of Forney asks residents to take the following precautions prior to spraying: bring in pet dishes or cover them; cover ornamental ponds and birdbaths; bring your pets inside for the night; do not go outside during spray time; keep windows and doors closed during spraying; and if you have health problems, such as asthma, take special precautions as directed by your doctor, if necessary.
Mosquito spraying schedule for the City of Forney through September:
Sunday June 21, 2015 Parks, Off Road & Creeks
Monday June 22, 2015 North of Hwy 80
Tuesday June 23, 2015 South of Hwy 80
Monday, July 6, 2015, North of US Hwy 80
Tuesday, July 7, 2015, South of US Hwy 80
Wednesday July 8, 2015 Parks, Off Road & Creeks
Sunday July 19, 2015 Parks, Off Road & Creeks
Monday July 20, 2015 North of Hwy 80
Tuesday July 21, 2015 South of Hwy 80
Wednesday August 5, 2015 Parks, Off Road & Creeks
Sunday August 16, 2015 Parks, Off Road & Creeks
Monday August 17, 2015 North of Hwy 80 Tuesday August 18, 2015 South of Hwy 80
Wednesday September 2, 2014 Parks, Off Road & Creeks
Sunday September 20, 2015 Parks, Off Road & Creeks
Monday September 21, 2015 North of Hwy 80 Tuesday September 22, 2015 South of Hwy 80
For more information about the West Nile virus, visit the TDSHS website, here.
