Four more residents in Denton County are grappling with West Nile Virus, ramping up this year's tally to seven confirmed human cases. The latest individuals afflicted come from various corners of the county including Little Elm, Roanoke, Fort Worth, and Flower Mound. In the interests of privacy, no further specifics on the patients' identities have been released. Denton County Public Health (DCPH) is sounding the alarm and steering the community towards preventative action to stave off the spread of the mosquito-borne disease.

As temperatures linger in the warm range conducive for mosquito activity, the risk of additional infections simmers. DCPH officials, such as Assistant Director and Chief Epidemiologist Juan Rodriguez, have called on residents to "stay proactive in reducing mosquito breeding sites and using repellents." Rodriguez's remarks, highlighted by Denton County, underscore the agency's push for increased vigilance amidst the increasing case count.

Preempting further transmission of the virus hinges on the community's participation in a handful of preventive measures. These include draining standing water from places like flowerpots and clogged gutters, gearing up in long sleeves and pants, and opting for EPA-endorsed repellents containing ingredients like DEET or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Public health officials hope these steps will curb the uptick of West Nile Virus in the region.