Dallas County Health and Human Services announced the second human case of West Nile virus for 2013.
Health officials said the resident lives in the zip code 75052, which is in Grand Prairie, and has been diagnosed with West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease. No other information about the identity of the infected resident was provided.
A spokeswoman for the city of Grand Prairie said two more mosquitoes in the city have tested positive for West Nile virus. Two areas of the city will be sprayed on Thursday and Friday nights. (Click here for details on the spraying.)
The first announced human case of West Nile virus in Dallas County was reported on Tuesday. That patient lives in the 75080 zip code in Richardson and was diagnosed with West Nile fever.
“Dallas County wants to alert the public that the mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are here and they’re active,” said Zachary Thompson, DCHHS director. “Our mosquito surveillance program and the county and municipal abatement teams are taking the appropriate actions to ensure the safety of our residents. However, it is important that residents do their part by taking the necessary precautions to avoid exposure to the virus.”
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 Omar Villafranca contributed to this report.
