As the summer has progressed, the number of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Dallas County has risen. Today, officials at the Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) report the 19th human case of WNV.
The infected patient is a resident of the 75225 zip code in Dallas. Due to privacy restrictions, no further information has been released, except that the person was diagnosed with West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease.
“We have to remain vigilant to protect again the threat that WNV poses to our community as people go outside to enjoy outdoor activities,” said DCHHS Director Philip Huang.
So far this year, DCHHS has reported two WNV deaths. In 2020 there were six deaths due to WNV and just one death in 2019. Of the 19 human cases this year, thirteen patients are males, and six are females.
“Please follow the 4 Ds to do everything you can to avoid mosquito bites,” Huang added.
- DEET – Use insect repellent that contains DEET or other EPA-approved repellents
- Dress – Wear long, loose, and light-colored clothing when outdoors
- Drain – Remove all standing water where mosquitos can lay eggs
- Dawn to Dusk – Limit outdoor time when mosquitos are most active
Humans get WNV when bitten by an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes acquire the infection after feeding on blood from infected birds.
Severe WNV infections can cause neurologic complications, such as encephalitis. Milder symptoms include fever, headache, and body aches. As of now, there is no vaccine or treatment for WNV.
More information can be found on the Dallas County website: https://www.dallascounty.org/departments/dchhs/westnile.php.