The City of Denton reported its first human case of West Nile Virus this season on July 10 and said it will remain at Risk Level 2, a mosquito warning level tied to confirmed WNV-positive mosquitoes in the community.
West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito after the mosquito feeds on infected birds. The virus can cause serious illness or death, according to the city.
At Risk Level 2, Denton will continue routine surveys of adult mosquitoes, identify them by species and screen them for the virus.
What residents should know
- Risk level: Risk Level 2, described by the city as a mosquito warning.
- Recommended prevention: Remove standing water around homes, including in old tires, flowerpots and clogged rain gutters.
- Peak mosquito hours: Stay indoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Outdoor clothing: Wear long sleeves and long pants outside.
- Repellent: Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus whenever outdoors.
Bti briquettes available
The city said it has a limited supply of Bti briquettes, which kill mosquito larva. Proof of residency is required, either a driver’s license or City of Denton utility bill. The limit is two per resident.
- Customer Service: 601 E. Hickory St., Ste F, Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m. to noon.
- City of Denton Composting: 1100 S. Mayhill Rd., Tuesday-Saturday, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Symptoms and risk
The city said the probability of a human outbreak is moderate to high. Individuals over 50 years old and those with compromised immune systems face a higher risk of severe illness if infected.
Symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, drowsiness, stiff neck, vision problems, body tremors, mental confusion, memory loss and seizures. Most people infected with West Nile Virus show no symptoms and recover on their own, but the city said anyone experiencing concerning symptoms should contact a healthcare provider immediately.
More prevention and safety information is available through the city’s Mosquito Safety | Denton, TX page.