Tarrant County Experiences Increase in West Nile Activity

Tarrant County Experiences Increase in West Nile Activity

Aug. 12, 2024 - (Tarrant County) - Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) has observed a significant increase in West Nile virus (WNV) activity for the 2024 season, which runs from April to November.

In the current 2024 mosquito season, there are 28 human West Nile Disease cases with 24 hospitalized and one death reported. Across the county, 482 mosquito samples have tested positive for WNV. Comparatively, the 2023 season ended with 12 human cases and 244 positive mosquito samples.

TCPH urges residents to prevent, protect and take control against mosquitoes.

“As children are headed back to school, family and sporting activities begin to take place at prime mosquito activity times,” said TCPH Director and Local Health Authority Dr. Brian Byrd. “If you are going to be outside, keep the air moving by using a fan. Mosquitoes surprisingly do not fly well.”

The mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus are most active during the period as the sun begins to rise and when the sun begins to set. 

MORE TIPS TO PREVENT, PROTECT AND TAKE CONTROL:

• Even on the lowest setting, floor fans can help to keep mosquitoes from landing and biting. Portable hand-held fans can also work well with airflow as low as eight mph. 
• Do not leave standing water in pet dishes, saucers of flowerpots or kids toys for more than two days.
• Use “Mosquito Dunks” or “Mosquito Bits” to eliminate mosquito larvae in areas that cannot be drained like bird baths or other ornamental pools.
• Cut down weeds in the yard, paying particular attention to areas that surround the foundation of the house. 
• Protect yourself by using EPA-approved repellent.

To keep up-to-date with the status of mosquito traps across Tarrant County, visit our Mosquito Dashboard Map. For more information about West Nile Virus visit the Be Mosquito Free webpage. Sign up for the latest health alert through our TCPH Health Alert Network.

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