The Denton County Health Department has confirmed that a Flower Mound resident has been diagnosed with West Nile virus, the town said Friday.
The man lives in the zip code 75022. The patient has the neuroinvasive form of the virus, which is the most serious form of West Nile virus.
No further information about the patient is expected to be released because of privacy reasons.
It is the first case in Flower Mound this mosquito season.
Fewer than 1 percent of those infected with West Nile virus experience the neuroinvasive form of the illness. Most people bitten by a West Nile virus-infected mosquito will not show any symptoms.
The town said it would increase mosquito and trapping efforts in an approximately one-half square-mile radius around the patient's neighborhood. Spraying will be conducted if mosquitoes in the area test positive for West Nile virus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states, "The easiest and best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites.
- When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient. Follow the directions on the package.
- Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.
- Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
- Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren't being used."
