062420 Press Release - City of Denton Enters Risk Level 4 of Mosquito Plan _j�OF FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DENTON Ryan Adams • (940) 349-8565 • Ryan.Adams@cityofdenton.com
City Entered Risk Level 4 of Mosquito Surveillance and Response Plan
Denton under Public Health Warning due to Positive West Nile Virus Samples
DENTON, TX,June 24,2020—On June 20, the City of Denton entered Risk Level 4—Public
Health Warning of the Mosquito Surveillance and Response Plan. Risk Level 4 was triggered
because a sample of mosquitoes collected on June 22 from a trap located at the City Service
Center, on Texas Street, tested positive for West Nile virus. This is the second positive sample
this season.
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 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 Deborah Viera, Assistant Director of Environmental
Services.
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
• Boats and pool covers
• Fountains and bird baths
• Clogged rain gutters
• Low areas
• Water bowls for pets
• Buckets and barrels
• Flower pots and saucers
• Leaky hoses
• Wagons and other toys
• Ponds
• Neglected pools
• Tires
• Piles of trash or debris
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:
• Customer Service, located at City Hall East, 601 E. Hickory St., Ste F. (Corner of Hickory
Street and Railroad Avenue); 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.
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