Colleyville, Texas

            Colleyville, Texas…The Tarrant County Public Health Department (TCPHD) has notified Colleyville of a confirmed first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in the Woodland Hills subdivision. Several mosquito samples, birds and horses have tested positive for WNV throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth area, indicating its presence in North Texas. Human cases also have been identified in Dallas County.

            “The most severe form of WNV presents as a meningitis or encephalitis, with moderate to high fever, headache, sensitivity to light, muscle aches, possible neck stiffness or soreness and sleepiness,” said Tarrant County Health Authority Dr. Alex Hathaway. 

            “Older people and those with a compromised immune system are at increased risk for developing the severe form of the illness. We expect very few severe cases. The majority of people who become infected with WNV will develop a very mild disease in the form of WNV fever. They may experience a slight fever and muscle aches for a few days. Most of these individuals will not seek medical attention.”             People should practice prevention and protection by staying indoors at dusk and dawn when infected mosquitoes are most active; dressing in long sleeves and pants when outside; using insect repellants that contain DEET; and draining all standing water where mosquitoes can breed.

            For additional information, statistics and maps are available on the Texas Department of Health’s web site:  www.tdh.state.tx.us.      For sampling and treatment related questions contact Jimmy Brock, public works street supervisor at 817.540.0609.