Dallas County health officials say a man in Duncanville has contracted West Nile virus.
The 51-year-old victim has been hospitalized with a case of the neuroinvasive form of West Nile virus. It is the most severe form of the virus and affects the nerve system.
The man lives in the 75137 zip code, the health department said. His name has not been released.
Fewer than 1 percent of those infected with West Nile virus experience the neuroinvasive form of the illness. Most people bitten by a West Nile virus-infected mosquito will not show any symptoms.
Dallas County will conduct ground spraying Thursday and Friday nights in the 75137 zip code, as well as areas where mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus have been trapped. Three positive traps were reported this week in the Thrush, Highgate and Greeenstone Court areas, the county said.
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."
