West Nile Virus-Associated Death Reported In Tarrant County
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TARRANT COUNTY (CBSDFW.COM) - An elderly resident of Northeast Tarrant County has died of illness caused by West Nile virus, the first such fatality Tarrant County this year, public health officials reported late Monday. The senior adult had underlying medical conditions.
"This individual was also the County's second human case of West Nile Virus," said Vinny Taneja, Director for Tarrant County Public Health. TCPH reported the first human WNV case on July 31.
"While everyone is at risk of being affected by West Nile Virus, people age 50 and older are at a higher risk of developing a severe WNV infection," said Taneja. West Nile Virus symptoms include flu-like illness, with moderate to high fever (102 degrees or more), severe headache, severe muscle ache or joint pain, severe eye pain, mental changes, fatigue, nausea and respiratory symptoms. People with symptoms should check with their physician.
TCPH reminded residents of the importance of taking personal protective measures to safeguard against West Nile Virus. People should routinely dump standing water on their property, use repellent and, whenever possible, dress in long pants and long sleeves during all hours of the day.
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