Fort Worth senior citizen dies of West Nile virus, health officials say
A senior citizen who lived in Fort Worth has died of the West Nile virus.
That person is the first in Tarrant County known to have been infected with the mosquito-spread illness this year, authorities said on Tuesday.
The Tarrant County Public Health department did not release the person’s sex, age or date of death.
The person had underlying medical conditions, the department said.
The last West Nile virus death in Tarrant County was reported in September 2018. The last human case was in August 2019.
West Nile Virus can affect anyone, although people over 50 are at a higher risk of developing a severe infection, health officials said.
About 20% of infected people will develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Most people with this type of the disease recover, but fatigue and weakness can last for months.
The health department said it was important to take protective measures to safeguard against the virus. People should routinely dump standing water on their property, use U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved insect repellent and dress in long sleeves and pants.
This story was originally published July 21, 2020 at 6:29 PM.
