The City of Durant released a statement Friday, Aug. 25 saying that the city is spraying for mosquitoes. The city began spraying the same day that the statement was released.

This is a proactive step to prevent the spread of the insect and the West Nile Virus it carries according to the statement.

The entire city will not be sprayed. The city will be focusing its efforts on the areas that mosquitoes are more prone to live.

The spraying has been focused around areas such as Mineral Bayou and Chuckwa Creek because of the standing water that attracts mosquitoes.

Local and state health departments have been monitoring the situation according to the statement and the City of Durant has been in contact with these officials concerning the matter.

The statement also said that officials from the City of Durant including Durant Emergency Management will be meeting with the Bryan County Health Department on Monday Aug. 27 to reevaluate the situation.

The Bryan County Health department advises residents to have screens on doors and windows and make sure to pour out any standing water that may attract mosquitoes.

Citizens are also advised by the city to use repellent containing DEET if planning to be where mosquitoes may gather.