Frisco to spray two areas Thursday night

City officials recommend residents stay indoors during spraying, and bring pets inside.

FRISCO — The city of Frisco has received confirmation of two more cases of West Nile virus, bringing the total of confirmed cases in Frisco to five. None of the five cases have resulted in death.

As a result, Frisco will target two areas -- one in Collin County and one in Denton County. Spraying is scheduled to begin Thursday, August 23 at 10 p.m. and last until 6 a.m. Friday, August 24.

In Collin County, the general area to be sprayed is bordered by Regal Oak Lane, Coventry Lane, Lookout Point, and Cardiff Lane. The area being targeted in Denton County is bordered by Witt Road, F.M. 423, Harbor Springs Drive, and Rose Lane.

Yesterday, the Denton County Health Department recommended aerial spraying. At this time, Frisco does not plan to participate, however.

"We don't have the concentration or number of cases that other cities in Denton County -- or Dallas County -- are experiencing," said Mayor Maher Maso. "We believe our current response plan is effective and so we will continue with targeted ground spraying."

The City of Frisco's WNV Response Plan calls for spraying once a case is confirmed by local health department authorities. City officials recommend residents stay indoors during spraying, bring pets and their dishes indoors, and cover any fish ponds. Pool water, if properly filtrated, will not be affected by the spraying.

City of Frisco officials urge residents to practice four precautionary steps outlined by Texas Department of State Health Services commonly referred to as the "Four D's." These precautionary steps are: drain all standing water, dress in long sleeve clothing when outdoors, use mosquito repellants containing DEET, and avoid outdoor activities during night and early morning hours when mosquitoes are most active.

"We needed the recent rains, but now we need you to help reduce your risks of being bit by a mosquito carrying the virus," said Julie Stallcup, environmental health supervisor for the city. "Look for standing water in saucers under flower pots, old tires, stagnant fountains, bird baths or even backyard toys. Essentially, drain anything that can collect water. Avoid outdoors during dawn or dusk. Otherwise, make sure you and your children use repellants if you're golfing, jogging, or doing anything else outdoors during these hours. We really need everyone to do his or her part."

City employees are treating city owned properties, such as parks, with larvacide briquettes when they find stagnant water onsite. The City of Frisco does not treat private property, such as yards. Golf course 'greens' are the responsibility of the property owner or Home Owners Association.

Residents may purchase larvacide briquettes at home improvement stores. The larvacide briquettes may be crushed -- or purchased in granular form -- to apply to "French drains" or other "hard to get to" areas.

For more information on the City of Frisco's response plan to West Nile virus, visit www.friscotexas.gov, call 972-292-5304 or email health@friscotexas.gov.