Tarrant County Public Health authorities confirmed Friday that two people in Arlington have contracted West Nile virus.
The people infected live in different parts of the city. One case was in northeast Arlington, near state Highway 360 and Green Oaks Boulevard while the other was in southcentral Arlington near Arbrook Boulevard and Bowen Road.
As a result, the city of Arlington said they will be notifying all schools, daycare and nursing home facilities, golf courses and other facilities near the affected areas. On Friday, door hangers will be distributed reminding residents how to protect against West Nile virus.
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.
"The most effective way to limit the spread is to keep the mosquitoes from breeding by emptying pools of water where they lay their eggs," said Dr. Cynthia Simmons, the medical director for the city of Arlington. "Having good screens on your doors and windows will also keep mosquitoes out."
At this time, the city has no plans to spray for mosquitoes. Residents are encouraged to take the proper precautions to reduce their risk of getting the mosquito-borne West Nile virus by remembering the four Dās: drain, dress, DEET and dusk/dawn.
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.
Cases of West Nile have already been confirmed in Dallas, Denton and Parker counties this summer.
