North Texas Daily

Emily Hopkins / Intern

Two more cases of West Nile Virus have been reported in the city of Denton, according to a press release sent out Tuesday by the Denton County Health Department.

The two cases are the first confirmed inside city limits, although a Denton County resident was found to have the virus last month.

Although the likelihood of getting seriously ill from a mosquito bite carrying West Nile Virus is less than 1 percent, DCHD urges citizens to take precautions.

Serious symptoms of West Nile Virus include high fever, swollen lymph nodes, disorientation, tremors, loss of vision and muscle weakness. Less severe cases can cause headaches, skin rashes, nausea, swollen lymph nodes and body aches.

“West Nile illness does exist in Denton County, and it’s a good idea to reduce the risk by eliminating mosquito hatching grounds and minimizing exposure to mosquitoes,” Juan Rodriguez, DCHD’s chief epidemiologist, said in the press release.

Health professionals are promoting the four D’s: drain standing water, dress in pants and long sleeves – but avoid overheating, use insect repellant that contains the chemical DEET and stay indoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are usually out roaming.

The DCHD recommends than any Denton residents experiencing symptoms of the virus contact a physician immediately.

More information about reporting mosquito-related issues in your neighborhood and tips to deter mosquito attraction can be found at dentoncounty.com/heart/WNW.