Another Dallas resident has died from West Nile Virus, the second such death this season.
West Nile Virus is a potentially deadly pathogen carried and spread by mosquitoes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is the leading mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States.
This virus is most prevalent during the summer and fall months each year.
There are currently no vaccines for the virus. However, only about 20% of those infected with the virus develop symptoms like a fever, while others will not experience any complications. The agency reports that about 1 out of 150 of those infected may have a serious illness that could be fatal.
The Dallas County Health and Human Services Department (DCHHS) reports that there have been 17 cases of West Nile Virus across the metroplex this season. A total of 13 of these cases have been discovered in Dallas.
The department reports two deaths associated with the virus have occurred this year. The first death this year occurred with a woman living in the 75061 ZIP Code, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
The second death was a woman from Dallas, according to DCHHS, reported WFAA. No other information on the victim is available currently.
While summer is drawing to a close, the threat posed by West Nile Virus is far from over.
The DCHHS said in a press release that its laboratory confirmed that mosquito samples from the 75137 ZIP code in Duncanville, Texas, have tested positive for the virus. As such, officials plan to begin ground spraying in the affected areas.
“As the summer season ends, mosquitos are still active in Dallas County. We recommend following the four Ds to prevent mosquito bites that cause West Nile Virus,” said Dr. Philip Huang, director of DCHHS, according to the press release.
The “four Ds” include using repellants with the active ingredient DEET, dressing in long, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing, draining standing water sources, and limiting time spent outside during dusk and dawn hours when the insects are most active.