The Texas Department of State Health Services has granted Dallas County's request for assistance in combating the increasing numbers of West Nile virus cases.

Dallas County's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management made a request for additional larvacide and adulticide to help control the mosquito population in the area.

In a press release, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said, “I am pleased the state has granted our request for aid; Commissioner David Lakey and his team at DSHS are strong allies in the battle against West Nile.”

The Judge also commended the proactive work of DCHHS under the direction of Zachary Thompson and urged continued vigilance from residents, “The hard working employees of Dallas County’s Health and Human Services are doing an outstanding job.  Dallas County is ground zero for West Nile; we need your help.”

Five deaths have been reported thus far in Dallas County after victims contracted the West Nile virus.

Dallas County Health and Human Services reported 100 total cases in the area as of Tuesday afternoon.

To report or inquire about mosquito activity in the Dallas County area, contact 214-819-2115 or visit the DallasCounty.org West Nile virus web page.

Get tips on symptoms of West Nile virus and West Nile virus prevention for Tarrant, Dallas, Denton, Collin and Parker counties here.

University Park Increases Mosquito Control

University Park is ramping up its 20-year-old mosquito control plans due to the unusually bad season.

For the past two decades, the city has sprayed from May-October covering every street, alley and park over a 30-day period.

This year, the city is spraying every seven days, and they're hand-spraying area inlets and drainage areas.

"A good many people are unaware that we fog routinely and are somewhat comforted throughout the season," says Steve Mace, Community Information Officer for University Park.

Residents are taking notice too.

Cindy Howard is wearing long sleeves, even in the heat of the day.

"For some reason I'm a little more concerned this year. Maybe it's just my instinct," says Howard.

She jokingly said the extra caution could also be because she's "getting older."

West Nile Virus Facts

Most people bitten by a West Nile virus-infected mosquito will not show any symptoms. Symptoms, if they appear, are fever, headache, nausea, body aches, swollen lymph nodes and skin rashes.

Fewer than 1 percent of those infected with West Nile virus experience the serious form of the illness. Serious symptoms include high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors or convulsions, vision loss, muscle weakness and numbness or paralysis.

Both Dallas and Richardson are urging residents to:

• Drain standing water around their homes to reduce mosquito breeding grounds.
• Dress in pants and long sleeves when outside, but avoid becoming too hot.
• Apply an insect repellent that contains DEET to exposed skin and to clothing when outdoors.
• Stay indoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

NBC 5's Lindsay Wilcox contributed to this report.

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