Two More Deaths From West Nile Announced As Spraying Increases
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - As the number of human cases of West Nile Virus continues to increase, so does spraying against the mosquitoes who carry the disease.
The cities of Dallas, Rowlett and Flower Mound will spend Monday evening spraying residential areas with insecticide to stop the spread of West Nile, which has killed 5 people and infected over 180 people in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
The two additional deaths were announced Monday, both patients were residents of the North Dallas neighborhood that lies directly north of University Park.
The two were both elderly men, one in his 80s, the other in his 90s.
Of the five Dallas County deaths connected to the West Nile Virus, three have occurred in the Park Cities area of Dallas.
The latest victim, Dr. Tom MCcrory, passed away last Thursday from complications of the virus. He was 92.
Dr. McCrory left his mark on the Dallas community. According to his family, he was in the first-ever graduating class of UT-Southwestern Medical School.
He served in military hospitals during World War II. After the war, Dr. McCrory became chief of staff of the ophthalmology department at both Baylor and Children's Medical Centers in Dallas.
Dallas County Health and Human Services director Zachary Thompson says he's asked for more resources from the state. He says most cities have enough insecticide to last through a normal mosquito season, but says this season has been anything but normal.
Thompson says Texas is currently leading the nation in West Nile infections and deaths. "We're talking about a third-world disease impacting a 21st century country."
The Dallas County Department of Health and Human Services have asked people to use the 4 D's method when fighting West Nile:
--use Insect repellents that contain DEET
--Drain any standing water
--Dress in long, loose and light-colored clothing and
--take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing from Dusk to Dawn.
Spraying in the cities will take place starting late Monday evening. Dallas will begin spraying the city Monday night, focusing on the southern sectors of the city Monday, before moving to the northern part of the city Wednesday.
For more information on what you can do to combat the West Nile Virus, click here.
