The City of Denton has confirmed the detection of West Nile Virus in mosquitoes at three new locations, escalating public health concerns. The infected mosquitoes were found at North Lakes Park near Bonnie Brae and Windsor Drive, around the 2300 block of Roselawn Drive, and at the Pecan Creek Water Reclamation Plant near S. Mayhill Road and Spencer Road. The specimens, which were collected last week, tested positive for West Nile virus, the City of Denton, Texas reports.
Despite the added locations, Denton maintains a risk level of 3 for West Nile, indicating a state of heightened public health concern. Under this risk level, the city will persist in conducting routine surveys, working to accurately identify adult mosquitoes to the species level and screen them to firmly establish the presence of the virus.
West Nile Virus is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito, which itself becomes a carrier after feeding on infected birds. The virus can cause severe illness and, in some instances, can lead to death. With these recent developments, residents are advised to adopt precautionary measures, including the elimination of standing water around their homes and limiting outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity hours, which occur at dusk and dawn. Protective clothing and the use of insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus are also highly recommended.
The City of Denton is responding to this public health threat by offering residents Bti briquettes — a larvicide that targets and eliminates mosquito larvae. These briquettes can be picked up at designated distribution points, including the Customer Service center on E. Hickory St., and at the City Composting facility on S. Mayhill Rd.
