09292017 - City Entered Risk Level 3 of Mosquito Plan (Sep. 2017) I�"0` FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DENTON Brian Daskam • (940) 349-7567 • Brian.Daskam@cityofdenton.com
City Entered Risk Level 3 of Mosquito Surveillance and Response Plan
First Mosquito Sample to Test Positive for West Nile Virus this Year
DENTON, TX, Sept. 29, 2017—On Sept. 29, the City of Denton entered Risk Level 3 —Public
Health Concern of the Mosquito Surveillance and Response Plan. Risk Level 3 was triggered
because a sample of mosquitoes collected on Sept. 26 from a trap located on Mockingbird Lane
between Mingo Road and Stockton Road tested positive for West Nile virus. "This is the first
sample that has tested positive for West Nile virus in the City of Denton this year," said Deborah
Viera, Assistant Director of Environmental Services for the City of Denton. Under the Mosquito
Surveillance and Response Plan, Risk Level 3 indicates that the probability of a person
contracting a mosquito-borne disease like West Nile virus is low to moderate.
At Risk Level 3, the City will continue to conduct routine surveys of adult mosquitoes,which
will be identified to species level and screened for the presence of viruses. The locations where
disease-carrying mosquitoes were captured will be indicated on a map that is available on the
City of Denton's website at www.cityofdenton.com. The amount of biological agents (Bti)
applied to kill mosquito larva will be increased over previous Risk Level amounts. The City will
also increase public education emphasizing source reduction,personal protection, and disease
symptoms.
While the City is working proactively to control mosquito populations and lower the threat of
West Nile virus, citizen involvement is essential. "Mosquito control efforts in past seasons have
been successful, which would not have been possible without the source reduction and
larviciding efforts of Denton citizens," said Viera.
Eliminating breeding grounds is the most important and effective mosquito prevention measure.
Help the City control Denton's mosquito population by eliminating standing water from these
and other areas and your property.
• Open trash/recycling carts •Neglected pools
• Boats and pool covers • Tires
• Fountains and bird baths • Piles of trash or debris
• Clogged rain gutters
• Low areas
• Water bowls for pets
• Buckets and barrels
• Flower pots and saucers
• Leaky hoses
• Wagons and other toys
• Ponds
OUR CORE VALUES
Integrity•Fiscal Responsibility•Transparency• Outstanding Customer Service
ADA/EOE/ADEA www.cityofdenton.com TDD(800)735-2989
The City of Denton Water Utilities Department has a limited supply of Bti briquettes that
residents can pick up in limited quantities (two per resident) while the supply lasts. Residents
will be required to show their driver's license or a current City of Denton utility bill to prove
Denton residency.
City Bti distribution locations:
• Water Administration located at 901 A Texas St. in the Utility Service Center Monday through
Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• City of Denton Composting located at 1100 S. Mayhill Rd. in the Pecan Creek Water
Reclamation Facility; Tuesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Detailed information about the steps residents can take to reduce the mosquito population and
increase their protection against West Nile virus can be found at www.cityofdenton.com. Other
resources include the Texas Department of Health Services website at www.dshs.state.tx.us and
the Denton County Health Department website at www.dentoncounty.com/wnv.
Contact: Deborah Viera, (940) 349-7162, Deborah.Viera@cityofdenton.com
Visit www.cityofdenton.com for more news and to stay updated.