Dallas Gears Up Early to Combat Potential Zika Threat

Andrea Fox, Gov1 Senior Editor

The county of Dallas, Texas is ready to test patient samples sent by doctors and hospitals for the Zika virus.

After recently confirming a third case, Dallas engaged equipment procured in 2014 to test for the Ebola virus. Activating this lab will get results in 24 hours--it can take weeks when samples are sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In addition, the city of Dallas will start its mosquito battle early this year. Radio ads encouraging citizens to mitigate their exposure, such as draining standing water and avoiding outdoor activities at dawn and dusk, start March 1 instead of late March or early April¹. The city will also start its annual Mosquito Abatement Program--spraying--a month early².

Read the original story in The Dallas News.

Sources

¹ http://thescoopblog.dallasnews.com/2016/02/dallas-city-council-committee-to-consider-proposal-to-start-mosquito-spraying-a-month-early-this-year-to-account-for-zika-virus.html/

² http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/health/Zika-Concern-Causes-Dallas-to-Start-Mosquito-Fight-Early-369633851.html