The city of Richardson has announced that mosquito samples have tested positive for the West Nile virus. The mosquitos which were found in a trap located in the Breckinridge Park area made the city’s first positive test result for the virus of 2021.
This positive mosquito result comes later than average. The city has experienced a large amount of area rainfall this spring and summer, and judging by other city’s record of the virus, it does come later than usual.
After the test, a ground spraying of the area was conducted on the 4th and 5th of August to prevent exposure to the virus.
As of now, there are no reported cases of any human contracting the West Nile virus.
As no vaccines have been developed to prevent a West Nile infection, residents are urged to take protective measures against the virus. Insect repellents containing DEET or other effective repellents will go a long way in keeping the virus at bay. The Richardson Health Department also advised people to limit staying outside at dusk and dawn because mosquitoes are most active at these times.
Other protective measures include wearing long-sleeve shirts and pants as well as draining stagnant water around the home.