Sick elderly patient first to die from West Nile virus this season in Tarrant County

Sept. 22--FORT WORTH -- An older adult with underlying medical conditions has died from West Nile virus, marking the first death of the 2018 season reported by Tarrant County Public Health officials.

Two deaths were reported during the 2017 season, county health officials said.

There have been eight cases of West Nile virus illness in humans reported in Tarrant County this year. Four of those cases have been West Nile fever and the other four have been the more serious West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease.

Most people infected with the virus will not develop symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About one in five who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About one out of 150 infected people develop the serious, sometimes fatal, illness.

In 2017, Tarrant County public health officials reported a total of 20 West Nile virus human cases. The season typically starts in the summer and ends in the fall, the CDC website stated.

Spraying operations in the unincorporated Yucca Flat Trail area of Tarrant County will begin on Sunday due to the detection of a positive mosquito sample in that location.

Weather permitting, ground spraying efforts will start at 9 p.m. Sunday and conclude by 5 a.m. Monday, a news release from Tarrant County Public Health stated.

City officials in Fort Worth, in conjunction with experts with the University of North Texas Health Science Center, plan to begin targeted spraying starting at 9 p.m. Monday, again, weather permitting.

Spraying will take place in the Arcadia Park and surrounding areas Monday through Wednesday and starting at 9 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday in the residential areas near Fire Station No. 27 on Precinct Line Road and near the east end of John T. White Road.

Residents are reminded to take protective measures to safeguard against West Nile virus. Residents should routinely dump standing water on their property, use Environmental Protection Agency-approved insect repellent, and dress in long sleeves and pants.

Mitch Mitchell: 817-390-7752, @mitchmitchel3

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