Denton County Public Well being reported its first demise because of West Nile virus Friday.
The one who died with West Nile neuroinvasive illness was a Denton resident. No different info was launched concerning the demise.
The county reported its first case on Aug. 21, its second case on Aug. 26 and its third case on Aug. 27.
“At present’s announcement of a neighborhood member passing because of West Nile virus is a stark reminder to us all,” acknowledged Juan Rodriguez, DCPH chief epidemiologist and assistant director. “Mosquitoes will be lethal. We urge neighborhood members to make the most of the drain, costume, and defend suggestions to guard their households from sickness and demise.”
After the second case, DCPH raised the chance stage of its mosquito surveillance and response plan Wednesday, the best danger stage.
At Danger Stage 5, the likelihood of an individual contracting a mosquito-borne illness like West Nile virus is excessive, based on a press launch from the town.
Folks age 50 and older run a better danger of creating a extreme an infection.
About 20% of contaminated folks will develop a fever with different signs resembling headache, physique aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Most individuals with this sort of illness get well fully, however fatigue and weak point can final for weeks or months.
DCPH beneficial the next steps to reduce the chance of contracting West Nile virus: draining standing water, dressing in lengthy sleeves and pants whereas exterior and defending your self utilizing repellent.
Defend Your self From Mosquito Bites
- Costume in lengthy sleeves, pants when exterior: For additional safety, spray skinny clothes with repellent.
- DEET: Make sure that this ingredient is in your insect repellent.
- Drain standing water in your yard and neighborhood: Mosquitoes can develop in any water stagnant for greater than three days.
It has been beneficial prior to now that to keep away from mosquito bites it is best to keep away from being outdoor throughout Nightfall and Daybreak (the four Ds). Whereas that is true for mosquitoes that generally carry the West Nile virus, different varieties of mosquitoes which can be extra prone to carry Zika, dengue and chikungunya are energetic through the day. When outdoor, it doesn’t matter what time of day, alter your costume accordingly and put on insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus as your first line of protection towards insect bites
