City of Sanger Urges Residents to Take Precautions Following West Nile Virus Case

SANGER, Texas - July 24, 2024 - PRLog -- 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: Apply an EPA-approved insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus when outdoors.
• 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, we will treat standing water identified in public areas and rights-of-way with Mosquito Dunks as we 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-diseases/west-nile-virus.

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