The mayor of Dallas declared a state of emergency in the city as
West Nile virus cases continue to climb. The hundreds of cases
provoked the city to begin aerial spraying of mosquito
pesticides to stop the virus's spread. Three counties in the
Dallas metro area, at 6.5 million the nation's fourth-largest,
have reported more than 300 cases and 12 deaths. Statewide,
there have been 465 cases and 17 deaths this year, according to
the Texas State Health Department. Mayor Mike Rawlings's move to
spray pesticide has been seen as controversial, but he has stood
by it. "I want to take the politics out of it, I want to say
this is my responsibility," he told CBS News. "I'll take the
heat for it." Barring rain or weather interference, the spraying
will begin tonight. Two small, twin-engine planes flying at 300
feet will conduct the sprays. Though the pesticide breaks down
in water and sunlight, public health officials have recommended
that Dallas citizens cover sensitive fish ponds and wash fruits
and vegetables thorou