A female resident of the ZIP code 75061 in Irving has died from West Nile virus, Dallas County Health and Human Services reported Aug. 9.

The patient was diagnosed with West Nile neuroinvasive disease, a severe case of the virus that attacks the brain, according to a news release from the department. She is the first Dallas County resident and the second Texan to die from West Nile virus in 2023.

What the experts say

“It’s very sad to report the first West Nile virus death this season,” DCHHS Director Philip Huang said in the news release. “This again reminds us how important it is to protect against mosquito bites that can carry multiple diseases like [West Nile virus.] Mosquito activity remains high in Dallas County, and we recommend residents follow the four D's during this time of the year.”

These are the four D’s residents are encouraged to follow to avoid contracting the virus:
  • DEET: When outside, use insect repellents that contain the chemical DEET or other Environmental Protection Agency-approved repellents.
  • Dress: Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing when outdoors.
  • Drain: Drain or treat all standing water in and around your home or workplace where mosquitoes could lay eggs.
  • Dawn and dusk: Limit outdoor time during these times when mosquitoes are most active.
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In addition to the death, DCHHS has reported seven human cases of West Nile virus this year, more than doubling the number of cases reported in 2022. Of the seven patients, six were diagnosed with West Nile neuroinvasive disease.

Here are where the cases were reported:
  • 75212, which includes west Dallas
  • 75231, which includes Vickery Meadow and part of Lake Highlands
  • 75204, which includes Uptown and Old East Dallas
  • 75228, which includes Casa View and White Rock Hills
  • 75248, which includes far north Dallas
  • 75230, which includes north Dallas
  • 75206, which includes Lower Greenville
In 2022, DCHHS reported three human cases of West Nile virus and one death, according to the agency’s website.

DCHHS spokesperson Christian Grisales previously said the higher case count this year could be attributed to a number of factors, but it’s “pretty hard” to say definitively. Possible reasons include a higher number of people enjoying outdoor activities and a lower number of people using bug repellent.

This year in Lake Highlands and Lakewood, mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus in the ZIP codes 75214, 75238 and 75243. For a full list of Dallas County ZIP codes with mosquitoes that have tested positive, visit the DCHHS website.