Denton officials will spray for mosquitoes Monday night, covering an area in central Denton on either side of Mingo Road.
Although 10 traps around the city have caught mosquitoes that later tested positive for West Nile virus, mosquitoes caught in the trap at Mingo Road and Texas Street have tested positive at least three times, as of June 25, according to city records.
As of Friday, six people in Denton County have been confirmed as being sickened by West Nile virus. The victims were both men and women, all between the ages of 40 and 60, according to Robert Martinez, coordinator of public health education at the Denton County Health Department.
All are expected to survive. The department is not aware of any other victims awaiting confirmation of test results, he said.
The spray truck will cover streets bound by Bell Avenue on the west, Withers and Paisley streets on the south, Schmitz Avenue on the north and Willis and North Ruddell streets on the east.
According to a city news release, the spraying will begin about 10 p.m. Monday and should be finished by about 3 a.m. Tuesday.
Officials advised residents in the area to bring pets inside and remain indoors during those hours. Fish ponds should also be protected.
Anyone who might encounter the spray trucks while driving should put windows up, recirculate air through the vehicle’s air conditioner, and remain in the vehicle until the spray is no longer visible.
The insecticide breaks down in sunlight, but officials cautioned that anyone who accidentally comes in contact with the spray should wash with soap and water.
For more information about symptoms of West Nile virus and how to limit exposure and mosquito-breeding areas, go to the health department website: http://dentoncounty.com/heart/wnv.
PEGGY HEINKEL-WOLFE can be reached at 940-566-6881. Her e-mail address is pheinkel-wolfe@dentonrc.com.
