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Positive Human Case of West Nile Virus
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Tarrant County Public Health
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Positive Human Case of West Nile Virus Confirmed in Tarrant County
2,561 mosquito samples tested since seasonal surveillance began on April 1
July 31, 2015 (Tarrant County, TX) – Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) has confirmed the first human case of West Nile Virus for the 2015 season.
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 due to 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.
TCPH reminds residents to take personal protective measures to safeguard against West Nile virus. Residents should routinely dump standing water on their property, use repellent, and dress for dusk to dawn.
TCPH has compiled a list of ways You Can Protect Yourself.
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News release date: July 31, 2015