Dallas

Dallas County Reports 9th Human West Nile Case of 2017

Person lives in ZIP code 75038

Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) is reporting the ninth human case of West Nile virus infection in Dallas County for the year 2017.

The ninth case is a resident of the 75038 ZIP code of Irving who was diagnosed with West Nile fever.

For medical confidentiality and personal privacy reasons, DCHHS does not provide additional identifying information.

"Our mosquito surveillance program and the county and municipal abatement teams are taking appropriate actions to ensure the safety of our residents. However, it is important for residents to take the necessary precautions," said Zachary Thompson, DCHHS director.

"Since there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatments for WNV infection, residents should adhere to preventive measures to protect themselves and their loved ones," said Dr. Christopher Perkins, DCHHS medical director/health authority.

How to Protect Yourself From Mosquito Bites
  • Dress in long sleeves, pants when outside: For extra protection, spray thin clothing with repellent.
  • DEET: Make sure this ingredient is in your insect repellent.
  • Drain standing water in your yard and neighborhood: Mosquitoes can develop in any water stagnant for more than three days.

It has been recommended in the past that to avoid mosquito bites you should avoid being outdoors during Dusk and Dawn (the 4 Ds). While this is true for mosquitoes that commonly carry the West Nile virus, other types of mosquitoes that are more likely to carry Zika, dengue and chikungunya are active during the day. When outdoors, no matter what time of day, adjust your dress accordingly and wear insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus as your first line of defense against insect bites.

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