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Environmental Health, Your Health

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1. What is the City of Plano doing to prevent the spread of illnesses caused by mosquitoes?

The City of Plano controls mosquitoes on public property by eliminating the breeding source, applying pesticides to stagnant water and spraying as necessary for adult mosquitoes. The Vector Control Program does not treat private property for insect (or rodent) problems.

2. What can I do to help prevent the spread of illnesses caused by mosquitoes?

You can help prevent the spread of illnesses caused by mosquitoes by remembering the four D’s: 

 - Dawn to Dusk - Mosquitoes are active most of the day. If possible, try to stay indoors. If this is not possible, make sure you follow the other D's. 

 - Dress in long sleeves and pants when outside to keep skin covered. 

 - DEET- This is an ingredient to look for in your insect repellent to apply when staying outdoors. 

 - Drain - Standing water is a breeding site for mosquitoes, drain the water in your yard. Keep swimming pools treated and circulated, and rain gutters unclogged.

3. What is a vector?

A vector is an organism, such as a mosquito that carries disease-causing microorganisms from one host to another (vectors also include rats and other animals).

4. What is the West Nile Virus?

The West Nile Virus (WNV) is a form of encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), which is found in humans and birds. The virus is spread through infected mosquitoes that serve as the vector of the disease. Less than 1% of those infected with WNV will develop severe illness.

5. What are the symptoms of West Nile Virus?

After an incubation period of 3 to 15 days, symptoms of the West Nile Virus often replicate the flu, beginning with headache, fever and body aches. Most infections are mild. Skin rash and swollen lymph glands may accompany these symptoms. 

Severe infection is marked by headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, muscle weakness, paralysis, and rarely, death. Persons over 50 carry the highest risk for getting the disease. 

A physician should be consulted immediately for any health concerns.

6. How does West Nile Virus spread?

West Nile Virus spreads when mosquitoes feed on infected birds. The newly infected mosquito carries the potential to transmit West Nile Virus and may infect the humans or animals it feeds on. There is no documentation saying that West Nile Virus can be transmitted to people from either other humans or animals. 

7. What should I do if I find a dead bird in my yard?

 If you find a dead bird in your yard, it can be discarded in your trash receptacle. Avoid contact with your bare hands, place the bird into a plastic bag using either gloves or a plastic bag wrapped around your hands, then put the bird in your trash receptacle.

8. Beside birds, what other animals can be infected with West Nile Virus?

Other than birds, other animals that can be infected with West Nile Virus include:

Mosquitoes carry numerous diseases and parasites, which affect animals - heart-worm in dogs and equine encephalitis in horses being some examples. 

West Nile Virus has been identified in horses, cats, chipmunks, bats, squirrels and domestic rabbits, but the vast majority of infections have been identified in birds.

Normal veterinarian care should be taken with any sick or injured pet.

9. Where can I get shots or immunizations in Plano?

The City of Plano Environmental Health Division does not administer immunizations (shots). Please contact your physician or Collin County Health Services at 972.548.5500 for information concerning immunizations.

10. What is Zika Virus?

Zika virus is an emerging mosquito-borne virus that was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in monkeys. It is spread by the bite of mosquitoes and was identified in humans in 1952. Outbreaks of Zika virus have been recorded in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific.

11. What are the symptoms of Zika Virus?

About 1 in 5 people infected with Zika virus become ill, and you’ll typically see symptoms about two to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. For those infected, the symptoms are mild — fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis (red eyes). If you’ve traveled to the affected area in the past two to 14 days, contact your health care provider, especially if you are or think you may be pregnant. Additional information can be found at texaszika.org.

12. How is the Zika Virus spread?

Zika is a virus spread primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. This type of mosquito likes to live close to homes, are active and bite during the day, and can breed in very small amounts of water. The mosquitoes spreading the disease are the same ones that spread Chikungunya and dengue. There is no vaccine to prevent Zika or medicine to treat the infection. Zika is transmitted 5 known ways:
1. Mosquito to human
2. Human to mosquito
3. Man to woman, sexually
4. Mother to fetus
5. Blood transfusion

Additional information can be found at texaszika.org.

13. Is the Zika Virus in Texas?

Texas has had a small number of confirmed cases of Zika virus disease. At this time, the only Zika activity in the United States is limited to traveler-imported cases and their sexual partners.

14. Where can I find information on the Zika Virus and pregnancy?

Information on the Zika virus, including its effect on pregnancy can be found on the CDC website at cdc.gov/zika or at texaszika.org.

15. Is the City of Plano going to spray for Zika?

The City of Plano will spray for Zika after a confirmed case is reported from the Collin County Health Authority.

16. What is Plano's response if we have a positive Zika case?

If Plano has a positive case of Zika, the Collin County Health Department will contact the City of Plano with follow-up information regarding the general location of the human case of Zika. The City will spray adulticide in the area of the positive case.

17. What is the difference in response between Zika and West Nile Virus?

Although the Zika virus and West Nike Virus mosquitoes have different behaviors, the only major difference in our response will be the size of any spray area. Because the Zika mosquitoes have a short flight distance, the spray area for them will be less than that for West Nile Virus.

18. Are the pesticides used by the City of Plano safe?

The products used by the City of Plano are safe when used in accordance with the directions. The City of Plano Environmental Health Division staff are licensed pesticide applicators and typically spray adulticide in the evening hours to limit the exposure to citizens. 

The best way to protect people and pets is to limit exposure to the pesticides. It is recommended to bring pets inside to reduce their exposure.