FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

CONTACT:  Jamie Nicolay, Health Educator

                     972-548-5578

                     jnicolay@co.collin.tx.us

 

October 18, 2005

 

West Nile Virus Linked to Death of Collin County Resident

 

(McKinney, TX) – A Wylie resident, who tested positive for the West Nile Virus, may be the first person in the Dallas-Fort Worth region to contract a fatal West Nile infection this year. The elderly gentleman was hospitalized with West Nile Virus last week and passed away on Friday. This is the third human case of West Nile Virus reported in Collin County this season. Because it can take some time for the state to confirm West Nile Virus cases, the cities are notified of potential cases as soon as possible. This enables the city health departments to perform environmental inspections, to trap mosquitoes for testing, and to begin other control measures as the city deems necessary.

 

Mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile Virus in several Collin County cities, including Plano, McKinney, Richardson, and in unincorporated areas.

 

“It is important that residents understand that the risk of contracting West Nile may be higher in the fall than in the spring,” says Collin County nurse epidemiologist Janet Glowicz.  “This is because the mosquitoes have been active longer with a greater chance of encountering an infected bird. Until the temperature drops below 50 degrees at night consistently the mosquitoes will continue to pose a risk.”

 

Protective measures include draining all standing water; dressing in light-colored, long sleeve clothing when outdoors; using a mosquito repellant that contains DEET; and staying indoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.  Residents should continue to follow these recommendations until the first freeze this fall.

 

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Jamie Nicolay

Collin County Health Educator

Homeland Security/Healthcare Services

(972) 548-5578