Denton County declares health emergency because of West Nile

The declaration allows the county to request state and federal resources.

DENTON — Denton County Judge Mary Horn has signed a West Nile Virus Health Emergency declaration and requested that the Department of State Health Services make additional resources available to Denton County in the form of aerial spraying.

The declaration of a health emergency will allow the county to request state and federal resources. However, as in Dallas County, the municipalities in Denton County will determine whether they wish to be included in the spraying.

The Town of Little Elm will have an Emergency Council Meeting at 5 p.m. Thursday, August 23 to discuss and take action on the options presented to them by Denton County in regards to aerial spraying. The meeting will take place at Town Hall Center - Council Conference Room.

Per the Town of Little Elm's Mosquito Management and Response plan, town staff will continue to educate the public about mosquitoes and ways to avoid them, apply larvicides to breeding sites, intensify mosquito surveillance measures and inspect properties that may harbor mosquitoes.

"We will take the necessary steps to help reduce the number of West Nile Virus cases occurring in our county," Little Elm Mayor David Hillock said. "We hope that our citizens are heeding the advice to follow the 5 D's and keep their families safe."