West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus is a disease that spreads from birds to humans through infected mosquitoes. Cases have been reported throughout North Texas as well as most of the United States.

Reducing the mosquito population and your risk of being bitten by them is the best way to prevent infection. Follow these steps to protect yourself and those in your home:

1. Avoid going outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active
2. Use insect repellent with DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin.
3. Wear long sleeves and pants to leave less of your skin exposed. Spraying clothing with permethrin provides extra protection.
4. Remove mosquito habitats from your property. Drain standing water where can mosquitoes breed, and maintain your swimming pool. Any amount of standing water can give mosquitoes a place to lay their eggs. The city is calling on residents to help control mosquito population by working with your neighbors to find standing water.

For more information on ways to protect yourself, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Protect Yourself

In 2012, more than 70 percent of West Nile Virus victims did not use repellents. Visit the CDC website to learn more about mosquito repellents.

• Search for effective repellents 
• Use repellents safely 

Monitoring

Tarrant County Public Health partners with area cities to provide surveillance and lab testing of mosquitoes.

Visit the Tarrant County Public Health site for more information.

Educational Materials

Educate your neighbors, classroom or workplace with this printable information:

• EPA: Mosquito Control 
• West Nile Flier
  (English | Spanish)
• West Nile Poster 
• West Nile Postcard 
• Drain Standing Water Poster

Public Service Announcements

• Prevent West Nile Virus with 5X5: 30 seconds | 60 seconds 
• The 4 Ds to Prevent West Nile Virus