Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) reported the first and second West Nile virus deaths of 2020 Sunday.
The first reported death was a 63-year-old from the 75215 ZIP code of Dallas. The second reported death was an 88-year-old from the 75227 ZIP code of Dallas. Both had been diagnosed with West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease (WNND), according to DCHHS.
DCHHS also reported the fifth West Nile infection for Dallas County in 2020 Sunday. That person is a 75-year-old from the 75062 ZIP code of Irving and was also diagnosed with WNND.
So far in 2020, there have been seven reported human cases of West Nile and two deaths in Dallas County since tracking began.
DCHHS said that mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile in Addison, Balch Springs, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Coppell, Dallas, Desoto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Garland, Glenn Heights, Highland Park, Hutchins, Irving, Lancaster, Mesquite, Richardson, Rowlett, and University Park.
DCHHS director Dr. Philip Huang said all residents should practice "the Four Ds":
- • DEET: All Day, Every Day: Whenever you’re outside, use insect repellents that contain DEET or other EPA approved repellents and follow instructions.
- • Dress: Wear long, loose, and light-colored clothing outside.
- • Drain: Drain or treat all standing water in and around your home or workplace where mosquitoes could lay eggs.
- • All Day long: Day, Dusk and Dawn - Limit your time outdoors mosquitos are active anytime day or night.
