Physicians and hospitals report 16 cases of West Nile virus so far in Tarrant County this year, according to officials with the Tarrant County public health department.
Nine of those West Nile virus cases have been the more serious neuro-invasive strain of the virus, while seven cases have been diagnosed as West Nile fever, said Sandra Parker, Tarrant County public health medical director and health authority. No deaths attributable to the virus have been reported."This fits the definition of an epidemic," Parker said. "The most important thing I think the numbers say is that we need to do what we can to prevent the illness."This is the worst west Nile virus season in Tarrant County since 2009, when there were three deaths and 32 human cases reported, Parker said. In 2010, there were no West Nile virus cases reported in Tarrant County and in 2011, there were two cases, Parker said.Dallas County public health officials on Monday reported the death of a man in his 60s who resided north of downtown Dallas that they attributed to the West Nile virus. As of Monday Dallas County officials reported 16 human cases of West Nile in Dallas County. Two are West Nile fever and 14 are neuro-invasive.The Culex species of mosquito that spreads the West Nile virus typically only lives for around two weeks; however, new mosquitoes can be born every day. These new mosquitoes would first have to bite an infected bird in order to transfer the virus to a human.This mosquito is highly active around dawn and dusk, and typically prefers to bite around the ankles.For personal protection:Avoid outdoor activities at dawn and dusk;Drain any standing water in and around your homes. Mosquitoes use stagnant pools of water for breeding;Dress in long sleeves and pants when conducting outdoor activities;Use an effective mosquito repellant, preferably one containing DEET, Picaridin or Permethrin.All residents should empty any containers holding water and turn them over so that they cannot be refilled. Bird baths should have their water changed every two days.Check gutters for leaves and other debris and clean out where necessary. Any stationary water source can be used by mosquitoes for breeding.Mitch Mitchell, 817-390-7752Twitter: @stcrime