Dallas County Health and Human Services said Monday they have confirmed the fourth human case of West Nile virus in the county for the 2013 season.
The patient, a 60-year-old man, lives in the 75224 zip code, which makes it the first human case in the city of Dallas this year.
The person was diagnosed with West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease. As per usual, further information about the patient is being withheld due to privacy reasons.
Assistant city manager Joey Zapata said the city has added an additional trap at Kiest Park to continue to check for mosquitoes that test positive for the West Nile virus before approving any additional ground spraying.
Results from the trap set Monday are expected to be received Wednesday or Thursday. After those results are in, officials will determine whether additional spraying is necessary in the 75224 zip code. With four cases confirmed so far this year, aerial spraying does remain a possibility.
"There is no magic to predict when a West Nile virus will peak, when it will begin and when it will end," said Dr. Jade Le of Parkland Hospital.
Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states, "The easiest and best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites.
- When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient. Follow the directions on the package.
- Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.
- Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
- Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren't being used."
NBC 5's Julie Fine contributed to this report.
