Denton County Public Health (DCPH) is reporting the sixth human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Denton County this year. The community member resides in Carrollton and was diagnosed with West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease.
“Even though temperatures are decreasing, preventing mosquito-borne illnesses remains a priority,” stated Juan Rodriguez, DCPH Chief Epidemiologist and Assistant Director. “Protecting ourselves from mosquito bites is a preventive practice easily done before heading outdoors.”
DCPH advises residents to take the following steps to minimize the risk of contracting WNV:
• Drain standing water in your yard and neighborhood to minimize mosquito-breeding sites such as birdbaths, flowerpots, and clogged rain gutters. Consider the use of BTI briquettes, often called mosquito dunks, in standing water that cannot be eliminated.
• Dress in long sleeves and pants when you are outside and spray thin clothing with repellent.
• Defend yourself by using EPA-approved repellents. Check for ingredients like DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
Please visit the DCPH West Nile Virus website for additional information including mosquito maps, latest news, and facts about WNV.