Dallas County health leaders confirm two more people have contracted West Nile virus, bringing the total number of human cases in the county this year up to seven.
Although that number is lower than at this point in previous years, health leaders cautioned we're still in the peak season and more human cases are likely.
Zach Thompson, director of Dallas County Health and Human Services, was among those who 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.
Health leaders said they have trucks spraying for mosquitoes within 24 hours of a trapped insect testing positive for West Nile virus.
Also Monday, the Denton County Health Department confirmed its first human case of West Nile virus this year involves in Lewisville resident.
- 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.
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
NBC 5's Katy Blakey contributed to this report.
