The City of Denton has reported further detections of West Nile Virus in mosquitoes at three more locations: Montecito Drive and Ryan Road, Woodland Street and Brown Drive, and the Pecan Creek Water Reclamation Plant at S. Mayhill Road and Spencer Road. This follows earlier reports of the virus in the area, reinforcing the city’s decision to maintain a risk level 3, indicating a public health concern.
The recent findings were based on mosquitoes collected last week, which tested positive for the virus. The city will continue its routine surveys, identifying mosquito species and screening for West Nile Virus to manage and mitigate risks effectively.
West Nile Virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, which contracts the virus by feeding on infected birds. While the probability of a human outbreak is currently assessed as low to moderate, the virus can lead to severe illness or death, particularly among individuals over 60 and those with weakened immune systems (CDC).
To help residents protect themselves, the city advises the following precautions:
- Eliminate Standing Water: Remove stagnant water around homes, which can serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
- Avoid Peak Mosquito Activity Times: Stay indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Use long sleeves and pants when outdoors.
- Apply Insect Repellent: Use repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Residents can also obtain Bti briquettes, which target mosquito larvae. The City of Denton offers a limited supply of these briquettes, with a limit of two per resident. Proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or City of Denton utility bill, is required to pick up the briquettes from the following locations:
- Customer Service, 601 E. Hickory St., Ste F, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- City of Denton Composting, 1100 S. Mayhill Rd., Tuesday-Saturday, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The virus’s symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash. Severe cases may result in neurological conditions such as encephalitis or meningitis. About 1 in 5 infected individuals develop symptoms, and 1 in 150 may experience severe illness (CDC).
For more information on prevention and safety, visit the City of Denton’s Mosquito Safety webpage.
By staying informed and adhering to preventive measures, Denton residents can help reduce the risk of West Nile Virus transmission.