First 2 Deaths of 2020 Due To West Nile Virus Reported in Dallas County

Dallas County's health department recently reported the deaths of two Dallas residents after they contracted the West Nile Virus.

Officials did not identify the said victims although they said the first confirmed death was that of a 63-year-old from "Dallas' 75215 ZIP code," spanning an area south of downtown Dallas.

The second death case was an 88-year-old resident with the 75227 ZIP code located in eastern Dallas.

According to health officials, both Dallas residents had West Nile neuroinvasive disease. Reports indicate that less than one percent of people infected with the said virus develop "neuroinvasive disease," usually manifesting as "meningitis, encephalitis or acute flaccid paralysis," said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC.

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7 Cases Recorded

Reports also said that the county had recorded seven confirmed West Nile virus cases in humans which include the two recently reported deaths of the two Dallas residents.

Also, according to officials of the health department, they are seeing more activity of the West Nile virus this year compared to last year.

Furthermore, even though it remains unclear exactly, why higher-than-average rainfall in June and July, may have played a significant role.

The first two deaths this year in the country because of the West Nile Virus, according to Dallas Health Director, Dr. Philip Huang, are reminders of the seriousness of the illness, as well as the essentiality of being watchful about avoiding mosquito bites.

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Other Cases of the Virus in the County

The first reported case of the human West Nile virus in the county this year eas that of a resident in Highland Park in early August.

Meanwhile, other human cases have been detected a resident of Irving and three other individuals residing in Dallas.

Moreover, the health department said, samples from mosquitoes have tested positive, particularly this so-called West Nile season in the cities of "Addison, Balch, Springs, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Coppell, Dallas, DeSoto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Garland, Glenn Heights, Highland Park, Hutchins, Irving, Lancaster, Mesquite, Richardson, University Park, and Rowlette."

The West Nile Virus

According to experts, the West Nile virus "is spread by mosquito bites." For prevention of the infection, health officials recommend the use of insect repellants with DEET content, wearing of long, loose, and light-colored outfits when outdoors, and limiting the hours spent outside.

Additionally, officials recommend too, the draining or treatment of any standing water where mosquitoes could lay eggs.

Most individuals who are invected with West Nile virus do not usually experience symptoms. More so, it is not contagious.

Mild symptoms would include headache, muscle pain, and fever. However, severe cases can result in neurological complications, explained the health officials.

Meanwhile, the severe form of this particular virus, according to the Johns Hopkins Medicine, affects the elderly individuals the most.

Individuals who are suspected of having acquired the West Nile virus and exhibit signs of brain and spinal cord infections which include "high fever, severe headaches, stiff neck, confusion or sudden muscle weakness," need to seek medical assistance right away, health experts said.

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