Greenville ISD is closely following the West Nile Virus outbreak in North Texas. District health officials are coordinating with GISD's grounds staff, athletics’ staff and campus administrators to educate teachers, parents and students.

West Nile Virus (WNV) is an illness primarily transmitted by mosquito bites. About one in 150 people infected with WNV will develop a severe illness. Approximately 80 percent of people who are infected with WNV will not feel any symptoms.

According to the Health Department, those most susceptible to West Nile Virus are adults over the age of 50.

The best way to prevent getting WNV is to avoid getting bitten by a mosquito. Mosquitoes are most active in the early morning and evening times; dawn and dusk. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. GISD grounds personnel are being watchful to remove and prevent such conditions on school and district property.

GISD recommends that parents sending students to early morning athletic or other extracurricular outdoor activities do so after having applied insect repellent to their child. GISD encourages parents to always consult their family physician prior to utilizing any topical application.

Long sleeve shirts and long pants are also an effective way to limit mosquito bites.

Those requesting additional information should call Debbie Boggs, RN, at 903-457-2500.