Denton County Public Health (DCPH) has confirmed a travel-associated case of Zika virus in a City of Carrollton resident located in the 75007 zip code, in the vicinity of Old Denton Road and East Branch Hollow Drive. There is no evidence of local transmissions. All cases reported, including today’s, were acquired internationally.
While there is currently no reason to believe any mosquitoes are affected, the City of Carrollton is working with the Denton County Public Health Director to take all necessary precautions and coordinate recommended actions. Out of an abundance of caution, the City will commence localized ground spraying by hand this evening, Friday, May 6, and will follow up with trailer spraying as needed.
The most common symptoms of Zika virus are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week. Severe disease is uncommon.
The City of Carrollton Environmental Services Department participates with Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) in a regional program to control mosquito-borne diseases and has provided an expanded Zika Virus fact sheet. While there is no current indication of mosquito-transmitted Zika virus in the U.S., the City has expanded its monitoring program to track mosquitoes that could transmit the disease if it were present.
Carrollton Environmental Services, Emergency Management, Fire, EMS, and Law Enforcement staff have been following the development of the Zika event since last year and are continuing to do so to ensure the City is prepared. Residents should continue to take proper precautions to reduce their risk of getting Zika virus while traveling, and to observe the same precautions while home:
•Drain standing water around their homes to reduce mosquito breeding grounds. Consider use of BTI briquettes (or mosquito dunks) in water that cannot be drained, such as small ponds and drinking troughs.
•Be aware of mosquitoes during times that they are active, Dawn, Daytime, Dusk and evening hours.
•Apply an insect repellent that contains DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) to exposed skin and to clothing when outdoors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends Picaridin (KBR 3023).
•Dress in pants and long sleeves when outside and/or wear permethrin-treated clothing.
Please visit the Denton County Public Health website www.dentoncounty.com/zika for additional information, visit cityofcarrollton.com/zika, or call Emergency Manager Elliott Reep at 972-466-4739.
