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First human case of West Nile Virus confirmed in Little Elm
By Emily Hill, ehill@starlocalnews.com
The Town of Little Elm has confirmed the first human case of West Nile Disease in the town, as per a notice from the Denton County Health Department. The town will commence with fogging operations today and Saturday in the Sunset Pointe subdivision.
Little Elm recently rejected the Denton County aerial spraying, which concluded its spraying on Sept. 2. According to a release from the town, it is unknown whether the Little Elm resident was inside town limits when the mosquito bite occurred. As of Wednesday, there have been 150 total cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in Denton County and two deaths, with ages of those infected ranging from 8-93 years old.
Weather permitting, fogging operations will be from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. today and Saturday, Sept. 8 in the Sunset Pointe subdivision bordering Woodlake Parkway, Walker Lane, Waterside Lane and Farm-to-Market Road 423.
Little Elm ISD released an announcement that they have given approval for the town to spray Little Elm High School and Lakeview Elementary School properties. In the release, fogging will begin after students have left school property following the football game tonight. The district will have both campuses' air-conditioning systems turned off during the spraying.
In the town's release, Little Elm reminds residents that "personal protection is still the best protection" to prevent contracting WNV by following the Four D's.
The Four D's:
*Drain: Standing water must be drained to deter mosquito-hatching grounds;
*Dress: Wear pants and long sleeves in mosquito-prone areas;
*DEET: Wear insect repellant containing DEET;
*Dusk and dawn: Stay indoors during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
In the district's release, LEISD reminds parents that insect repellent brought to school must be kept and applied in the clinic under the supervision of the school's nurse or clinic staff with a permission note from the parent. Students are not allowed to keep insect repellent on their person, bags or lockers.
Parents can also have their students opt out of participating in outside recess or P.E. by sending a permission note.
In the release, safety tips are offered for residents in the area during fogging operations:
*Remain indoors when the fogging takes place in the area.
*Children and pets must be kept inside during fogging and for at least one hour after fogging ends. Do not let children play near or behind the truck-mounted pesticide applicators.
*Close windows and doors before fogging begins.
*Window-unit air conditioners should be turned off or set to "recirculate" mode so outside air does not enter the house during fogging. Leave units off for at least one hour after the fogging ends.
*If you must remain outside during fogging, avoid getting spray in eyes or on skin. If insecticide does come in contact with the eyes, immediately rinse them with water. Wash exposed skin with soap and water.
*Wash homegrown fruits and vegetables thoroughly before cooking or eating.
It is also advised to cover outdoor tables and play equipment, bring laundry, toys, pet food and water bowls inside, and cover ornamental fishponds before fogging begins. In the release, the town advises those who think they are experiencing health effects from the fogging to consult a doctor, especially those who suffer from chemical sensitivities or feel fogging may aggravate a pre-existing condition.
A map of the area to be fogged can be found at www.littleelm.org/DocumentView.aspx?DID=2750.
For information or concerns, contact Little Elm Emergency Management at 214-975-0425; Little Elm Health Services at 214-731-3296; or Little Elm Public Works at 214-377-5556. For information from Denton County, visit www.dentoncounty.com/heart/wnv or call the WNV hotline at 940-349-2907.
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