Tyler Mosquito Control Finds West Nile Virus in Testing Sample

TYLER – More mosquito samples collected in Tyler have turned up positive for the West Nile Virus. The latest samples taken by Tyler Mosquito Control, which showed positive for the disease, were collected near the intersection of Thigpen Drive and Gatewood Drive in South Tyler. The samples were collected on August 30th. Twice in July, positive samples were collected on Kidd Drive in South Tyler and once on Donnybrook Drive, across from rose Rudman Park. Each time, Tyler Mosquito Control treated the areas and conducted a door-to-door campaign to inform and educate residents in the area about West Nile Virus virus and preventative measures for it.

In the continual fight against mosquitoes in the Tyler area, TMC treats standing water with larvicide and insect growth regulator tablets and fogs. TMC will continue these treatment practices for the remainder of mosquito season. “TMC conducts weekly identification and arboviral testing throughout the City,” said Chris Lennon, Code Enforcement manager, as quoted in a city news release. “With the data provided from those tests, TMC implements the appropriate preventative measures to help reduce the mosquito population within the City.”

All citizens are encouraged to remember the 4 Ds to optimize protection from mosquitoes:

Deet: use insect repellent while outdoors at all times to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and other insects.
Dress: wear long, loose and light-colored clothing – including pants and long sleeves.
Drain: drain all standing water in and around the home and office.
Dusk and Dawn: limit outdoor activities during the dusk and dawn hours as mosquitoes are most active during those times.

Residents may report mosquito breeding grounds to Tyler Mosquito Control by calling (903) 535-0045.