8th West Nile Death In Dallas County
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - The eighth West Nile related death in Dallas County was confirmed Tuesday by Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS).
The unidentified person lived in the 75229 zip code area. DCHHS officials say the cause of death was West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease.
Late Tuesday afternoon DCHHS Director Zachary Thompson confirmed that the latest West Nile victim was more than 90-years-old and has underlying health condiitons. No additional information was released.
County health officials say they're going to continue the fight against the virus. "We're gonna stay the course," Thompson said. "We gonna operate with our integrated mosquito control program, which is surveillance, which is targeted spraying, and education."
Dallas County has 141 reported cases of West Nile virus infection from 19 different cities. Mosquito traps testing positive for the virus have been found as far north as Coppell and as south as DeSoto and Cedar Hill.
Eleven people from across North Texas have died from West Nile Virus-related illnesses so far this year.
"At the end of the day we're saying protect yourself by using insect repellant that prevents mosquito bites and definitely take precautions," Thompson urged. "We're in for a long West Nile season."
While human West Nile infection is rare, as a precaution against mosquito bites and potential infection North Texans should:
- Stay indoors at dawn, dusk and in the early evening
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors
- Spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin or DEET
- Repair or replace all screens in your home that have tears or holes
- Eliminate standing water that collects on your property
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