FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 16, 2024
The City of Gainesville
Gainesville, TX– The City of Gainesville had one of three positive tests in Cooke County for mosquitos with West Nile. The test was from a trap on South Weaver. The other two positive tests were recorded in the Lake Kiowa area.
The positive tests in the county put us at a medium risk level. In response, Gainesville officials are initiating the larvicide program protocol, aimed at controlling the mosquito population and reducing the risk of West Nile Virus transmission to residents. If positive tests in the County continue for three weeks in a row, the City will spray, in accordance with high risk level protocol.
The larvicide program will involve the placement of mosquito dunks in public areas. Mosquito dunks are a safe and effective method of mosquito control, releasing a larvicide that specifically targets mosquito larvae in standing water. This proactive measure is designed to curb the growth of mosquito populations before they become a high-risk threat.
“We are taking these positive test results very seriously,” said Barry Sullivan, City Manager of Gainesville. “Our top priority is the health and safety of our residents. By implementing this larvicide program, we aim to significantly reduce the risk of West Nile Virus in our community.”
There is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for West Nile Virus available at this time. Residents are encouraged to take personal precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites. These include:
- DUSK & DAWN: Avoid being outside when mosquitos are most active.
- DRESS: Wear protective clothing. Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when mosquitos are most active, typically dawn and dusk.
- DRAIN: Eliminate standing water. Remove standing water around your home, such as in flowerpots, gutters, buckets, and other containers to reduce mosquito breeding sites. Keep swimming pools clean and properly chlorinated, and stock ornamental ponds with mosquito-eating fish.
- DEET: Use insect repellent. Apply insect repellent containing DEET when outdoors. Picaridin and other protective ingredients could also work, but DEET is considered the most effective option.
The City of Gainesville will continue to monitor mosquito populations and conduct weekly testing for West Nile Virus. Updates will be provided to the public as necessary. The City coordinates testing with Cooke County Emergency Management. Testing occurs with the Public Health Laboratory Division of the Texas Department of State Health Services.
For more information on the West Nile Virus and mosquito control efforts, please visit https://gainesville.tx.us/537/West-Nile-Virus-Prevention
Press Contact
Paulina Schutt-Swiatkowski
Communication & Outreach Specialist
City of Gainesville, TX
940-668-5748
pswiatkowski@cogtx.org