West Nile Virus Alert for Sanger Residents

Due to the recently reported West Nile Virus case within the community and in an effort to protect public health, the City of Sanger will be placing mosquito traps throughout the City. If mosquito samples test positive for West Nile Virus, the City will conduct targeted spraying in affected areas.

Denton County, recently,  identified its first human case of West Nile virus this year, according to a news release.

A Sanger resident has been diagnosed with the neuroinvasive form of the disease. To protect patient confidentiality, no further personal information will be released to the public, the release states.

“We’re seeing more positive mosquito traps in the last few weeks indicating increasing risk for contracting West Nile Virus, just as we’ve seen in our first human case of the summer,” Juan Rodriguez, Denton County Public Health’s assistant director and chief epidemiologist, said in the release. “We ask community members to take preventive actions to lower their risk of contracting a mosquito-borne illness.”

The City of Sanger is advising residents to take preventative measures against mosquito-borne illnesses following the Denton County Public Health (DCPH) ‘s confirmation of a West Nile Virus (WNV) case in a Sanger resident.

WNV is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. While most infected individuals experience no symptoms or mild illness, some may develop West Nile Virus Neuroinvasive Disease, a more serious condition affecting the central nervous system.

Symptoms of WNV can include:

• Fever

• Headache

• Muscle and joint pain

• Nausea

• Drowsiness

• Stiff neck

• Vision problems

• Body tremors

• Mental confusion

• Memory loss

• Seizures

The City of Sanger recommends the following preventative measures to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses:

• Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds: Drain standing water in yards and neighborhoods, including birdbaths, flowerpots, and clogged gutters.

• Use insect repellent: When outdoors, apply an EPA-approved insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.

• Minimize outdoor exposure during peak mosquito hours: Avoid being outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquito activity is highest.

• Wear protective clothing: When outside, wear long sleeves and pants, and consider treating clothing with repellent.

• Treat areas around your home:  Mosquito Dunks can be purchased at local hardware stores, some big box stores, and on Amazon.  If you have areas with standing water, such as outdoor fish habitats, flower pots, bird baths, rain barrels, animal watering troughs, or other wet areas, Mosquito Dunks can be used to kill mosquito larvae.

While the overall risk of WNV infection is considered low to moderate, individuals 50 years of age or older and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness. Anyone experiencing concerning symptoms should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Public Mosquito Control:

It’s important to note that the City of Sanger does not currently conduct mosquito spraying programs. However, they will treat standing water identified in public areas and rights-of-way with Mosquito Dunks as they become aware of them.

For more information on West Nile Virus, including prevention tips and Texas WNV surveillance maps, please visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/mosquito-borne.../west-nile-virus

The City of Sanger remains committed to the health and safety of its residents. By taking these simple precautions, it can all help reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses in the Sanger community.

The City will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as needed.