The Denton County Health Department reported its first two human cases of the West Nile virus in 2014 on Friday, in addition to its first case of Chikungunya.
"It's just a strange coincidence," said Dr. Juan Rodriguez, Denton County chief epidemiologist, about the three diagnoses coming so close together.
The West Nile-positive results come after 39 positive mosquito pools have been trapped throughout Denton County this year, according to statistics provided by the health department.
One of the West Nile infections was the more serious neuroinvasive form of the virus, while the other was the more-common West Nile Fever, according to Rodriguez.
The two infected Denton County residents live in Denton's 76205 zip code and Argyle's 76226 zip code, Rodriguez said, but the county would not release any other information about the patients.
"West Nile season can be in the summer, when it's a bad season like 2012. But often it happens in the late summer or early fall. So, right now is still time for West Nile and mosquitoes," Rodriguez said.
The Chikungunya case is a Lewisville resident who appears to have contracted the virus while traveling abroad in a region where the mosquito-borne disease is prevalent, according to Rodriguez.
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
Residents should take the proper precautions to reduce their risk of getting the mosquito-borne West Nile virus by remembering the four D’s: drain, dress, DEET and dusk/dawn.
Remember to:
- Drain standing water around their homes to reduce mosquito breeding grounds.
- Dress in pants and long sleeves when outside, but avoid becoming too hot.
- Apply an insect repellent that contains DEET to exposed skin and to clothing when outdoors.
- Stay indoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
