West Nile Patient Dies in Dallas County

A person infected with West Nile virus has died in Dallas County, the county health department confirms.

The patient, who lived in the 75214 ZIP code, was in the 80s and had underlying medical conditions when diagnosed with West Nile neuroinvasive disease.

For medical confidentiality and personal privacy reasons, further information is not expected to be released about the patient.

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The death is the first for the county for the 2015 season. To date, the county has reported seven infections -- the two most recent confirmed on Monday.

The Texas Department of State Health Service said Texas had 379 human cases of West Nile virus, including six deaths, in 2014.

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Health officials say a Dallas resident who lived near White Rock Lake contracted West Nile virus and died. A city statement Tuesday announced the death, but did not provide patient details such as age, gender or date of death.

Zach Thompson, director of Dallas County Health and Human Services, briefed the Dallas City Council Monday and said the number of infected in the county is less than expected but that more cases are possible in the weeks to come.

"Right now we want everybody to understand this is the peak period and we're not ready to declare that West Nile season is over. We want everyone to continue using mosquito repellent," said Thompson.

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NBC 5 spoke to Christopher Perkins, medical director at Dallas County Health and Human Services, who reminds people to stay vigilant, and protect themselves.

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.

Aaron Lopez said his family has been paying attention and taking precautions against mosquito bites. Lopez's young son spends a lot of time on the soccer field.

"We are outdoors a lot. He plays soccer. He plays outdoor, indoor. He is year-round, so we spray. I got a spray in his bag. We have one at home, so we are constantly spraying to make sure," said Lopez.

NBC 5's Julie Fine contributed to this report.