West Nile virus cases reported in Dona Ana County

Dallas County Health and Human Services is reporting the fifth human West Nile Virus case in the city of Dallas for the 2015 season.

Both women and the man were hospitalized due to neuroinvasive disease, which is the severest form of West Nile virus. However, four out of five people infected with West Nile virus will not show any symptoms.

In some cases, especially with residents 55 and older, West Nile virus can cause serious diseases in a person’s brain and nervous system.

West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a Culex mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird.

In horses, the symptoms include drooping head and an inability to stand up. Also, eliminate or treat instances of standing water around the yard.

Mosquitoes in eight Connecticut communities have tested positive for West Nile virus.

Because the virus is usually spread by Culex mosquitoes, the Knox County Health Department traps and tests mosquitoes during the spring, summer and fall, and treats some standing water where mosquitoes could breed.

The risk in Toronto is still low, Finkelstein says, and the number of mosquitoes infected with the virus is very small. Department Spokesperson Bill Christian said because of HIPPA regulations he could not be more specific about where the cases were discovered, other than to say one was identified as being in Shelby County by the Shelby County Health Department.

People should use an EPA-approved insect repellent every time they go outside such as those that contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and oil of lemon eucalyptus/para-menthane-diol. CDC recommends that you always follow the recommendations appearing on the product label when using repellent.

Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and remain closed. Water is a favorite breeding spot for mosquitoes. Although it may be hard to do when it’s hot, wearing long-sleeves, long trousers and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.