DENTON COUNTY – Denton County Public Health (DCPH) has confirmed the presence of the West Nile Virus (WNV) in a mosquito trap located in the unincorporated region of the county. The affected area is situated to the West of Copper Canyon and North of Double Oak.
In response to this detection, DCPH is set to commence truck-based ultra-low volume fogging to curb the spread of the virus. The fogging operation, weather permitting, will be conducted during the late-night hours on the following days:
- Wednesday, July 26, 2023, from 9 PM to 5 AM
- Thursday, July 27, 2023, from 9 PM to 5 AM
- Friday, July 28, 2023, from 9 PM to 5 AM
To bolster the safety of its residents, DCPH has provided several guidelines to reduce the risk of WNV transmission:
- Drain standing water: Residents are urged to eliminate any stagnant water in their vicinity. This includes emptying bird baths, flowerpots, and unclogging rain gutters. For persistent standing water, the use of BTI briquettes, commonly referred to as mosquito dunks, is recommended.
- Dress protectively: When venturing outdoors, wearing long sleeves and pants can act as a deterrent. It’s also advised to spray thin clothing with repellents.
- Defend with repellent: Opt for EPA-registered repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus for maximum protection against mosquitoes.
Residents can gain further insights, including detailed maps of the fogging locations, on the DCPH West Nile Virus dedicated website at DentonCounty.gov/WNV. The portal also offers comprehensive data like mosquito maps, the latest updates, and crucial facts about WNV. Emergency alerts and signs have been rolled out to ensure that individuals residing in the affected zones are well-informed.
Public health officials urge the community to stay vigilant and proactive to prevent the spread of the West Nile Virus.