Mid City Times

So far this summer, Texas has more human cases of West Nile virus than any other state, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The uptick is attributed to increased mosquito activity resulting from higher than normal summer rainfall.

The number of local, positive trap test results are higher than in recent years. As of Aug. 1, there have been 105 positive West Nile virus results for mosquito traps in the City's network of monitoring locations during the FY24 surveillance period.

Tarrant County Public Health has reported three human West Nile virus illnesses in Fort Worth. While the number of positive test results is high, the number of reported human cases remains low.

The City’s Environmental Services Department oversees a mosquito surveillance program each year with mosquito trap samples collected between May 1 and Oct. 31, in conjunction with partners and Tarrant County Public Health.

Ground spraying is one tool that can be used to reduce mosquito populations for a short time. As of Aug. 1, the City has also conducted 15 targeted ground spray events to reduce the number of mosquitoes that may carry West Nile. The need for targeted ground spraying is expected to continue throughout this year’s mosquito season.

Additionally, if the City receives a report of a human West Nile virus illness, staff conducts an environmental investigation in the approximate residential area surrounding the human case. Results from additional mosquito traps set in the same area are also evaluated.

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