Second and Third Case of West Nile Virus Confirmed

A second and third case of human West Nile Virus has been confirmed in Southlake by the Tarrant County Public Health Department’s West Nile Virus Monitoring Division. Specifics about each patient are being kept confidential by Tarrant County in the interest of privacy.  It is unknown where each patient contracted the illness.

“The real message here is that people need to think about taking preventative measures every time they go outside,” said Emergency Management Coordinator Kyle Taylor.  “The latest cases here in Southlake and in other parts of the Metroplex illustrate that it has the ability to spread quickly.”

There are two versions of West Nile.  The milder version, West Nile Fever, can include flu like symptoms such as fever, headache, tiredness, and body aches, occasionally with a skin rash (on the trunk of the body) and swollen lymph glands.  The symptoms of the more serious version, West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease, also include headache, and high fever but can also include neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis and possible a coma.  If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, please check with a doctor immediately.  Members of at risk populations, including young children, seniors and those with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable this time of year.

Everyone is also advised to follow the 4Ds until the threat of West Nile subsides:

The 4Ds

• DRAIN standing water in the areas around your property. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren’t being used. When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing DEET.
• Use an insect repellent containing DEET (N-diethyl-m-toluamide).
• Stay indoors during DUSK and DAWN, as these are the times when mosquitos are most active.
• DRESS in long sleeves and pants when you have to be outside. For extra protection, spray your clothes with a thin layer of insect repellent containing DEET. Also, make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.

The City of Southlake has been actively treating any standing water found in public areas.  Residents who have untreated standing water on their property are asked to stop by the following locations to pick up mosquito killing larvicide briquettes:

• Southlake Community Center, 400 N. White Chapel Boulevard – (Monday – Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
• Public Works Operations, 1950 E. Continental Boulevard, (Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)

“The briquettes effectively eliminate mosquito larvae,” said Public Works Director Bob Price.  “They are especially efficient for landscaping areas where irrigation watering can sometimes pool and become standing water.  By using the briquettes and making a conscious effort not to over-water, the City has a good defense against West Nile.”

If you would like additional information regarding West Nile Virus, please visit the City’s West Nile Virus webpage.  If you see a mosquito problem in a public space, you can report it by using the City’s “Come Fix This!” this form.