West Nile Virus positive sample confirmed on Aug. 13

On Tuesday, Aug. 13, the City of Allen received confirmation that a sample from one of its mosquito traps tested positive for West Nile Virus. The sample was collected from a location near Dayspring Nature Preserve in the Twin Creeks area. This is the first positive sample of West Nile Virus collected in Allen in more than 4 years.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, West Nile Virus is most commonly spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. While most people don't show symptoms, 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Most people recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or moths.

The best way to prevent mosquitoes is to get rid of stagnant water. City of Allen Environmental Health staff monitor and treat more than 50 public areas where water often collects. Homeowners and residents can help reduce mosquito breeding sites by monitoring their property for water collecting in common places, such as:

• Open trash bins
• Uncovered boats
• Fountains and bird baths
• Clogged rain gutters
• Low areas
• Water bowls for pets
• Kiddie pools, wagons and other toys
• Rot holes in trees
• Leaky hoses
• Potted plant saucers
• Buckets and barrels
• Neglected pools
• Ponds

If you notice standing water on someone else's property, you can report it by submitting a service request through MyAllen or by calling 214.509.4180.