DENTON COUNTY REPORTS FIRST WEST NILE VIRUS CASE OF 2025
Denton County Public Health (DCPH) confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in the county for 2025 on May 15, 2025. The case involves a resident of Denton County.
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. While most infections are asymptomatic, approximately 20% of infected individuals develop West Nile fever, characterized by symptoms like fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. Less then 1% develop serious neurological illness, such as encephalitis or meningitis. Denton County has seen increasing WNV activity in mosquito traps, prompting DCPH to issue a public health alert.”we are urging residents to take precautions against mosquito bites,” said Dr. Anita Kurian, Denton County Local Health Authority and Director of DCPH. “The best way to protect yourself is to eliminate standing water around your homes and use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.”
DCPH recommends the following preventative measures:
Drain: Empty standing water from containers like flowerpots, gutters, birdbaths, and tires.
Defend: Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Dress: Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors.
Time: Limit outdoor activity during peak mosquito hours (dusk and dawn).
Further details about West Nile virus can be found on the DCPH website at https://www.dentoncounty.gov/westnilevirus and the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html.