The number of human West Nile virus cases in Dallas County have reached five after officials with the Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) reported one Friday in zip code 75238.
For medical confidentiality and personal privacy reasons, DCHHS does not provide additional identifying information.
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a disease that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes can become infected when they feed on the blood from infected birds. The infected mosquitoes can then transmit WNV to humans and animals. Severe WNV infections can cause neurologic complications such as encephalitis. Milder symptoms include fever, headache and muscle aches. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for WNV.
Dallas County has also reported 4 cases of another mosquito borne disease, chikungunya, this year to date. All four cases are associated to overseas travel.
As of Aug. 19, Texas has reported 27 WNV cases and 19 chikungunya.
Robert Herriman is a microbiologist and the Editor-in-Chief of Outbreak News Today
Follow @bactiman63
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- Arizona: Maricopa County investigates outbreaks of West Nile virus and St. Louis Encephalitis, simultaneously
- California West Nile cases rise by 21 in past week, Butte County hit hardest
