Ground spraying was scheduled along Raintree Drive on the south side of Murphy following confirmation a mosquito trapped Friday, July 5, in the bed of Maxwell Creek had tested positive for the West Nile virus.
No human cases have been reported in Collin County and no cases were reported last year.
However, the Texas Department of State Health Services said a resident of Montgomery County, north of Houston, was confirmed to have the virus.
Maxwell Creek was treated last month with larvicide, and the woods were sprayed following the discovery of an infected mosquito trapped June 14 in the creek bed along Lonesome Dove Trail, northeast of the intersection of North Murphy Road and Betsy Lane.
A second infected insect was trapped there June 21, along with a third found the same day in a pool along Shelby Trace, the city said.
The best way to prevent West Nile is to protect yourself from mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, treating clothing and gear with repellent and taking steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors, health officials said.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 80% of people infected with the virus do not develop any symptoms.
Of those who do develop symptoms, about 20% develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash, the agency said.
“Most people with febrile illness due to West Nile virus recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months,” the CDC said.
People who suspect they or a family member are infected should immediately report it to their doctor or medical facility, health officials said.

For more on this story see the July 18, 2024, print or digital edition of the Murphy Monitor. Subscribe today and support local journalism in your community.