A local man has been confirmed as the first person with West Nile Virus in Dallas County this year, the county health department reported on Monday.
The patient from Dallas was diagnosed with West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease, Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) said in a news release.
“We are reporting the first human case of West Nile Virus of the 2023 season,” Director Dr. Philip Huang said. “WNV is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito, and people should be careful when going out outside to enjoy outdoor activities.”
The man’s name was not released.
Huang listed four things to do to avoid mosquito bites, calling them the “4 Ds.”
DEET: “Whenever you’re outside, use insect repellents that contain DEET or other EPA-approved repellents and follow instructions,” Huang said.
DRESS: “Wear long, loose, and light-colored clothing when outdoors,” he said.
DRAIN: “Drain or treat all standing water in and around your home or workplace where mosquitoes could lay eggs,” he said.
DAWN to DUSK: “Limit your time outdoors during these times when mosquitos are most active,” he added.
Dallas County has been spraying for mosquitos since early June.
West Nile virus was confirmed in 16 traps at 17 mosquito pools in Balch Springs, Carrollton, Coppell, Dallas, Garland, Irving, Lancaster, Mesquite, Richardson, and Seagoville, DCHHS confirmed.
Eight out of 10 people infected with the West Nile Virus do not show any symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For others, fever, chills, muscle pains, headache, fatigue, and vomiting might set in, with some symptoms persisting for weeks or months.
Severe cases of West Nile — one in 50 — can occur and result in permanent damage to the central nervous system. Paralysis, vision loss, and death are possible.
Since no medications are effective against the virus, the only treatment available aims to alleviate its symptoms.
