City of Denton, TX
09/20/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/20/2024 12:17
City of Denton Confirms Human Case of West Nile Virus and Enters Risk Level 4
DENTON, TX, Sept. 20, 2024 - The City of Denton is reporting its first human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) this season in the southwest area of the city. In response to this development, the City is moving to Risk Level 4, reflecting an increased risk of transmission within the community.
The individual diagnosed with WNV is currently receiving medical treatment and is under the care of healthcare professionals. We urge residents to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites. West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, which acquires the virus from feeding on infected birds. The virus can lead to serious illness or even death.
Denton will move to a risk level 4 (public health warning) due to the positive result. At risk level 4, the City will continue to conduct routine surveys of adult mosquitoes, which will be identified to species level and screened for the presence of the virus. We urge residents to take the following precautions:
o Eliminate standing water: Remove standing water around your home, as it serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Common sites include old tires, flowerpots, and clogged rain gutters.
o Avoid outdoor activity during peak mosquito hours: Stay indoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
o Dress appropriately: Wear long sleeves and long pants when outside.
o Use insect repellent: Apply repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus whenever outdoors.
The City offers a limited supply of Bti briquettes, which kill mosquito larva. Proof of residency is required (driver's license or City of Denton utility bill) with a limit of two per resident. Residents can pick up the Bti briquettes from the following distribution locations:
o Customer Service, 601 E. Hickory St., Ste F, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
o City of Denton Composting, 1100 S. Mayhill Rd., Tuesday-Saturday, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.
While the probability of human outbreak is moderate to high, individuals over 50 years old and those with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of severe illness if infected with West Nile virus. Symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, drowsiness, stiff neck, vision problems, body tremors, mental confusion, memory loss, and seizures. While most people infected with West Nile virus will show no symptoms and recover on their own, those experiencing concerning symptoms should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
The City will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary. For more information on prevention and safety tips, visit Mosquito Safety | Denton, TX (cityofdenton.com).
Contact: Dustin Sternbeck, (940) 349-8251, [email protected]
(About Denton) Denton is a community like no other - we're welcoming, innovative, creative, diverse, unique and authentic. The City is a vibrant and growing community with many opportunities, no matter what your interest or passion. You're free to be whoever you are in a friendly atmosphere with a small-town vibe that's just a short drive away from the big city. And we invite your friends to discover Denton, too!
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Visit www.cityofdenton.com for more news and to stay updated.