Denton County Public Health reported Monday its ninth human case of West Nile Virus for 2017 in Denton County.
The resident lives in The Colony and was diagnosed with West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease, according to a county news release. At least two of the previous cases involved residents of Flower Mound.
Juan Rodriguez, assistant director and chief epidemiologist with DCPH, recommended that residents take a proactive approach to minimizing exposure to mosquitoes.
“We encourage residents to reduce their risk by adhering to the recommended precautions, including eliminating common backyard mosquito sources and utilizing EPA-approved repellant,” Rodriguez said in a prepared statement.
The county provided the following steps that residents should take to minimize risk of contracting WNV:
- Drain standing water around your home, such as bird baths or pet dishes. Consider the use of BTI briquettes (or mosquito dunks) in standing water that cannot be eliminated.
- Be aware of mosquitoes during active times between dusk and dawn.
- Defend yourself by using insect repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus when outdoors. Use repellant as directed on label instructions.
- Dress in long-sleeves, pants, and socks when outside to reduce skin exposure.
Click here for more information from DCPH about West Nile Virus.
