TARRANT COUNTY (WBAP/KLIF News) – Tarrant County Public Health has reported its first West Nile-related death of the 2017 season.
The person was a senior citizen and had previous health conditions.
The department’s Russell Jones said this is the second case that has been reported this year and that they do expect to see more hospitalizations as the Summer continues.
He also said people need to steer clear of standing water to decrease the chances of coming in contact with mosquitoes that carry West Nile.
“So, if you know where mosquitoes are breeding, laying their eggs, usually standing water. These mosquitoes really like organic material…water that’s really dirty. If you can dump it, take care of that water,” he said.
Jones urges everyone to take precautionary measures before spending time outdoors.
“When you’re outside wear long pants, long sleeves, mosquito repellent. Actually you need to be cognizant at dawn and dusk, that’s when these mosquitoes really like to feed,” she said.
He said people over the age of 50 are more likely to contract the virus. Typically, 20 percent of infected people will develop a fever along with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, diarrhea or rash.
Most people who get West Nile recover completely but weakness and fatigue can last for weeks or months.
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