The first human case of West Nile virus in Denton County this year was detected in a Flower Mound resident, Denton County Public Health reported July 20.
The details
In order to protect patient confidentiality, no identifying information, such as age or gender, was disclosed about the individual, who was diagnosed with West Nile Virus Neuroinvasive disease, according to a news release from Denton County Public Health.
Zooming in
Officials urge caution outdoors.
"As mosquito traps in Denton County have become more active over the summer, we are now seeing our first human case of West Nile virus," said Juan Rodriguez, DCPH assistant director and chief epidemiologist, in the news release. "We ask community members to take preventive actions to lower their risk of contracting a mosquito-borne illness."
A closer look
Denton County Public Health advises residents to take the following steps to minimize risk of contracting WNV:
- Drain standing water in your yard and neighborhood to minimize mosquito breeding sites, such as bird baths, flowerpots and clogged rain gutters. Consider the use of BTI briquettes, often called mosquito dunks, in standing water that cannot be eliminated.
- Dress in long sleeves and pants when you are outside, and spray thin clothing with repellent.
- Defend yourself by using EPA-registered repellent. Check for ingredients like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
For more information, see the DCPH West Nile Virus website at www.dentoncounty.gov/wnv.
