The city of Denton announced on Tuesday that it has recorded its first neuroinvasive West Nile virus case for the current year. This diagnosis represents the fourth confirmed human case within Denton County in 2026. Of the four individuals diagnosed, three contracted the severe neuroinvasive form of the disease, while one resident was identified with the non-neuroinvasive form in July.
The other confirmed cases involve a resident of The Colony, diagnosed in July, and a resident of unincorporated northwest Denton County, diagnosed in August. As of Tuesday, county officials reported that no deaths have been attributed to West Nile virus this year.
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito that has previously fed on an infected bird. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fewer than 1% of infected individuals develop the neuroinvasive form. Among those who suffer severe illness affecting the central nervous system, approximately 10% die.
There are currently no vaccines or medications available to prevent the virus, making bite prevention the primary method of protection.
Denton County Public Health advises residents to avoid outdoor activities during dawn and dusk, wear long sleeves and pants, and apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Officials also recommend eliminating standing water on properties and using Bti briquettes, known as mosquito dunks, in water sources that cannot be removed.
