The number of North Texans infected with West Nile virus is on the rise.
As of Tuesday, there are now 25 people in the Metroplex who have tested positive for the virus.
In Dallas County, 10 people have the virus while 8 are carrying the virus in Denton County and another 6 have it in Tarrant County. In Parker County, 1 person has tested positive for West nile.
Most people bitten by a West Nile virus infected mosquito will not show any symptoms. Should symptoms appear, they are fever, headache, nausea, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and skin rashes.
Less than 1 percent of those infected with West Nile virus will 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.
Residents should:
- 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.
