Re: TX: 2012 West Nile cases
Re: TX: 2012 West Nile cases
DALLAS COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION
2377 North Stemmons Freeway
Dallas, Texas 75207-2710
For Immediate Release – July 16, 2012
DCHHS holds press conference regarding West Nile related death
Dallas, Texas—At a press conference held on Monday, July 16, Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) officials announced Dallas County’s first West Nile related death.
The victim was a male in his 60s who resided in Dallas in the 75204 zip code.
As to date, there are sixteen confirmed human cases of West Nile in Dallas County. Two are West Nile fever and fourteen are neuro-invasive.
“We would like to send our condolences to the family who lost their family member,” said Dr. Christopher Perkins, Medical Director/Health Authority.
Perkins encouraged the public to minimize exposure to the insect, take personal responsibility and to take the necessary precautions by following the 4 D’s:
(1) Dress in long, loose and light-colored clothing;
(2) use insect repellents that contain DEET;
(3) Drain any standing water;
(4) stay indoors during Dawn and Dusk hours.
Officials are predicting that this year has the potential to be amongst one of the worst years to date in regards to West Nile. The worst year to date was back in 2006 in which there were 104 West Nile cases in which 4 of those cases ended in a West Nile related death.
“Based on human cases we are on track to be on the same level with 2006 or to exceed it,” said Director Zachary Thompson.
Dr. James Luby, UT Southwestern Medical Center stated, “We usually don’t peek until the end of August. If 2006 is any premonition, than we have to expect more deaths.”
Micheal Wheeler, Supervisor for the City of Dallas stated “the City of Dallas target spraying for mosquitoes is disease driven.” To report mosquitoes in the City of Dallas, call the non-emergency complaint number, 311 from a landline phone or call 214-670-5711.
DCHHS officials have done an ongoing preventive method to get the message out. They encouraged citizens to protect themselves. “The last West Nile related death was in 2009. This is a wake-up call. Prevention is going to be the best method going forward,” said Director Thompson.
“Everyone should take this seriously.”
To report or inquire about mosquito activity in Dallas County, contact 214-819-2115.
For more up-to-date information about infected mosquito pools, control efforts and prevention tips, the West Nile Watch is posted on
http://www.dallascounty.org/westnilevirus.
http://www.dallascounty.org/department/hhs/press/documents/WestNilePressConference16Jul12.pdf
