First Human West Nile Case Reported In Tarrant County
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TARRANT CO. (CBSDFW) -- Tarrant County Public Health has confirmed the first human case of the West Nile Virus for the 2015 season.
The case -- which has been identified as the severe form, West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease -- was discovered in an unincorporated area of southwest Tarrant County, near Benbrook.
The identity of the individual has not been released.
In 2014, the first human case was reported on Aug. 4. In all, 16 human cases were reported last year in Tarrant County, nine of which were of the severe variety. None resulted in deaths.
The mild form of the disease, known as West Nile Fever, can have symptoms including headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, nausea and fatigue. Symptoms typically last several weeks, though people typically recover on their own.
Those with West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease can experience neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, and even paralysis, according to TCPH.
However, TCPH says that up to 80 percent of those infected do not display any symptoms.
Residents are reminded to always take protective measures to prevent West Nile. This includes dumping standing water, using bug repellents, and wearing clothing to cover up skin -- particularly from dusk to dawn.
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