An unnamed Dallas, Tex. man was recently hospitalized with a case of neuroinvasive West Nile Virus, CBS DFW reports, making him the fifth person to come down with the illness in the county this year, as local mosquitoes continue to test positive.
Though the Dallas County Health and Human Services has not released the victim's name, they have confirmed that they will conduct ground spraying in the areas where the mosquitoes have tested positive for the virus, and especially in the 75137 zip code where the victim lives.
"Dallas County wants to alert the public that the mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are here and they're active," Zachary Thompson, DCHHS director, told CBS DFW. "Our mosquito surveillance program and the county and municipal abatement teams are taking the appropriate actions to ensure the safety of our residents. However, it is important that residents do their part by taking the necessary precautions to avoid exposure to the virus."
When it comes to preventative measures, Dallas County advises residents to follow the five "Ds:" Drain, Deet, Dress, Dusk/Dawn and Doors.
DRAIN all areas of standing water in and around the home, as warm, stagnant water is where mosquitoes like to breed. This includes baby pools, birdpaths and gutters. Even something as small as a bottlecap filled with water can become a place for mosquitoes to breed.
DEET means to use bug spray, or repellent that contains permethrin or DEET, on the skin and clothing to protect against mosquito bites.
DRESS means to wear long-sleeves, long pants and loose-fitting clothing, reducing the amount of exposed skin on the body, especially when outdoors.
DUSK/DAWN means to limit exposure to the outdoors at dusk and dawn, the times of the day when mosquitoes are most likely to be out and hunting.
DOORS means to keep all doors, windows and screens secured and in good condition to keep mosquitoes from entering your home.
The first confirmed West Nile Virus fatality occurred last week in Adams County, Colo., in which a 53-year old man died on Aug. 27, making him the first West Nile death and the 96th case of the virus in the state so far this year.
Symptoms of the West Nile Virus include fever, body aches, neck stiffness, and disorientation. Humans can not transmit the disease among themselves. Recently, a woman in her 50s was diagnosed with the virus in Yellowstone County, Mont., according to the Billings Gazette, making her the state's first case this year. She was not hospitalized, however, and is expected to make a full recovery.
