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First West Nile Virus-associated death reported in Denton County
By Heather M. Goodwin, hgoodwin@starlocalnews.com
During a record-breaking year for West Nile cases, the Denton County Health Department (DCHD) has confirmed its first West Nile virus-associated death for 2012.
The patient was in his 90's, had underlying health conditions and resided in the city of Denton. For patient confidentiality, officials will not release further information.
"Number wise, this year is worse than last year," said Bob Martinez, public health preparedness coordinator for Denton County. "Last year we only had two cases of West Nile. In addition, the number of cases has already exceeded our highest number since the county began keeping West Nile records."
"We've heard about the aerial spraying through Dallas, but it's not anything county is going to do just yet. We are researching the benefits of the spraying first," Martinez said. "It's also up to the individual jurisdictions as to weather or not we employ aerial spraying, and we haven't been approached by any cities."
Martinez said the county's role is to educate, provide prevention and investigate cases.
West Nile virus is a potentially serious virus that is transmitted by mosquitoes. Less than 1 percent of those infected with West Nile virus will experience the serious form of the illness (West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease). Serious symptoms include high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors or convulsions, vision loss, muscle weakness and numbness or paralysis. Residents experiencing any of these symptoms should immediately contact their health care provider. The elderly and individuals with underlying medical conditions are known to be at an increased risk. The majority of serious WNV infections and deaths occur in persons over the age of 50.
Around 20 percent of those bitten by a West Nile virus-carrying mosquito may experience mild symptoms (West Nile fever), such as fever, headache, nausea, body aches, swollen lymph nodes and skin rash. Approximately 80 percent of those bitten by an infected mosquito will not experience any symptoms.
In Lewisville, WNV cases have been confirmed at the following locations:
1200 block of Witherby
900 block of Logan Drive
1500 block of Autumn Breeze
1600 block of Cross Haven
1600 block of Vail Place
500 block of Drexel
600 block of Surf Street
1800 block of Cliffview
2900 block of Florence Way
1400 block of College Parkway
2200 block of State Highway 121
400 block of Old Orchard Lane
900 block of N. Garden Ridge Blvd
800 block of Summercreek
1100 block of King Mark Drive
Residents should take the proper precautions to reduce their risk of getting Nile virus by remembering the four D's:
* Drain standing water around their homes to reduce mosquito breeding grounds. Consider use of BTI briquettes (or mosquito dunks) in water that cannot be drained, such as small ponds and drinking troughs.
* Stay indoors at Dusk and Dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
* Apply an insect repellent that contains DEET to exposed skin and to clothing when outdoors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends Picaridin (KBR 3023).
* Dress in pants and long sleeves when outside, but avoid becoming too hot.
DCHD has partnered with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) to develop a West Nile virus task force to provide education around Denton County. For information call 940-383-1508. For information visit www.dentoncounty.com/heart/wnv or call the West Nile virus hotline 940-349-2907.
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