On September 24, 2009 the Garland Health Department (GHD) received report of a laboratory confirmed human case of West Nile Virus (WNV).  The patient resided in the 4000 block of Amherst Drive.  This is the first confirmed human case that has been reported in Garland in 2009. 
 
The GHD will spray the area surrounding the patient’s address tonight, weather permitting.
 
To protect yourself from exposure to WNV, try to stay indoors during the evening and early morning hours, the times when mosquitoes are most active.  While outdoors, wear light-colored, long sleeve clothing, and use an insect repellent containing DEET, according to its label directions.
 
The GHD asks all citizens to eliminate any standing water on their property, such as birdbaths (clean them twice per week), pet water dishes, clogged rain gutters, tire piles, and buckets.  Containers that can hold an inch or two of water can breed mosquitoes.  Report any standing water that you are not able to eliminate yourself to the GHD.  Also report any dead blue jays or crows found in your neighborhood.  These dead birds are good signs of virus activity early in the season and indicate where mosquito control efforts need to be concentrated. If you have questions or would like to report dead birds or standing water, please call the Garland Health Department’s mosquito control hotline at (972) 205-3720.  Further questions on WNV should be directed to the City of Garland’s website, www.ci.garland.tx.us, or 972-205-3460.