West Nile Virus human case confirmed in Tarrant County.[/caption]This case is in unincorporated Southwest Tarrant County, near Benbrook. It is the severe form, or West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease. Additional details are not being released to protect the identity of the patient.
In 2014, TCPH reported its first human case on August 4. The department reported 16 human cases of West Nile disease for the entire 2014 season. That number included nine West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease cases and seven West Nile Fever cases. TCPH did not report any deaths caused by this disease.
Up to 80 percent of people infected with West Nile virus show no symptoms.
The mild form of the disease is commonly referred to as West Nile Fever. Symptoms include headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, nausea and fatigue. People typically recover on their own, although symptoms may last for several weeks.
The more severe form is often referred to as West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease. Symptoms include neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis. This form of the disease can be deadly.
Residents should stay vigilant with personal preparedness efforts to prevent the spread of WNV by remembering the 4 D's:
- Drain all freestanding water. This is especially important considering the rain we have received. This is especially important with rain in the forecast.
- Dress in long sleeves and in long pants.
- Dusk/Dawn are the times of day when mosquitoes that carry WNV are most active.
- DEET - use insect repellent that contains DEET.
