Two more mosquito traps in unincorporated Denton County have tested positive for West Nile Virus, triggering overnight fogging that begins Thursday, Aug. 13, and runs through Wednesday, Aug. 19, according to Denton County Public Health. The virus has already shown up in Flower Mound and Lewisville traps this summer.
The positive traps were found in two locations: north of Highway 380 and east of Teel Parkway in the Artesia area, and south of Hackberry and west of Frisco. Truck-based ultra-low volume spraying will hit each zone three times between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., weather permitting.
This is the fifth fogging campaign in unincorporated Denton County since July 1. The south-of-Hackberry/west-of-Frisco zone was also targeted in the first round July 2–8, making it the second time that area has been sprayed this summer. Previous operations covered areas south of New Fairview, east of Oak Point and west of Sanger.
The county has confirmed two human West Nile cases in 2026: a Denton resident diagnosed with the non-neuroinvasive form on July 10, and a resident of The Colony diagnosed July 30 with the more severe neuroinvasive form, which can cause encephalitis, meningitis or paralysis.
"We encourage all community members to practice prevention to reduce their risk," Juan Rodriguez, DCPH assistant director and chief epidemiologist, said July 30 when the county announced the second human case. No vaccines exist to prevent West Nile in people.
Locally, mosquito traps in Flower Mound and Lewisville have tested positive multiple times this summer. Lewisville recorded at least four positive samples by July 28; Flower Mound had at least two positive traps within town limits by early July.
West Nile season peaks in late August through early September, making the coming weeks the highest-risk stretch for exposure.
What residents should do
DCPH advises all Denton County residents to:
- Drain standing water from bird baths, flowerpots and clogged rain gutters
- Drop BTI briquettes (mosquito dunks) in standing water that cannot be eliminated
- Wear long sleeves and pants outdoors, especially at dusk and dawn
- Apply EPA-registered repellents containing DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
Residents in the affected fogging zones are being notified through emergency alerts and posted signage. Detailed maps of the spray areas are available at DentonCounty.gov/WNV.
