A Dallas resident has tested positive for contracting the West Nile Virus (WNV), according to the Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS), on Friday.
Further information about the patient is not being released, except the person resides in the 75204 zip code in Dallas.
“We are very sorry to be reporting the seventh case of West Nile Virus in Dallas County this year,” said Dr. Philip Huang, DCHHS Director. “It is hard to imagine that these illnesses can result from something as seemingly minor as a mosquito bite. Please follow the 4 D’s to do everything you can to avoid mosquito bites.”
The 4 D’s include DEET, Dress, Drain, and Dawn to Dusk.
- Whenever possible, it is recommended to use insect repellent that contains DEET or other EPA-approved repellents.
- Wear long, loose, and light-colored clothing when outdoors.
- Drain or treat standing water around your home or workplace where mosquitos may lay eggs.
- Limit outdoor time when mosquitos are most active.
Currently, DCHHS has reported one WNV death in 2021. Last year the county reported six deaths due to WNV.
WNV is a disease spread by the bite of an infected mosquito that has become infected when they feed on the blood from infected birds. The infected mosquitos can transmit WNV to humans and animals.
There is no vaccine or treatment for WNV. Severe WNV infection causes neurologic complications such as encephalitis, while milder symptoms include fever, headache, and muscle aches.
