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West Nile Virus Information

Collin County Health Care Services and Collin County Development Services are working cooperatively to combat, investigate and educate the public about potential cases of West Nile Virus.

"It is important that residents understand that the risk of contracting West Nile may be higher in the fall than in the spring," says Collin County nurse epidemiologist Janet Glowicz. "This is because the mosquitoes have been active longer with a greater chance of encountering an infected bird. Until the temperature drops below 50 degrees at night consistently the mosquitoes will continue to pose a risk."

The Collin County Health Care Services department recommends following the "Four D's" as follows:

  1. Apply insect repellent that contains DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide). Be sure to read label instructions. Spray clothing with repellent as well as exposed skin.
  2. Dress in long sleeves and long pants when you are outside.
  3. Stay indoors at dusk and dawn, times when infected mosquitoes are most active.
  4. Drain standing water in your backyard and neighborhood; old tires, flowerpots and clogged rain gutters are mosquito-breeding sites.

Residents should continue to follow these recommendations until the first freeze this fall.

Please Note: You DO NOT need to report dead birds to the health department. Dead birds can be disposed of by placing in a plastic bag and depositing in the regular trash. Never touch a dead bird with your hands and always wash your hands after disposing of a dead bird.

Residents may report standing water, illegal dumping, and increased mosquito activity. Please visit the Report a West Nile Virus Concern page for more information.

According to the Texas Department of Health (TDH), West Nile was detected in 101 Texas counties in 2004. A total of 119 human cases of serious West Nile illnesses from 40 counties were reported, including eight deaths.

For additional information, please visit the following resources:

Texas Department of Health: West Nile Information

What is West Nile?

West Nile Information Packet

Frequently Asked Questions About West Nile

Avoiding Common Mosquito Bites Key in Preventing West Nile Infections

2004 West Nile Statistics in Collin County

West Nile Information for Healthcare Providers

CDC West Nile Virus Homepage

Potential Mosquito Breeding Grounds

Para información en español, pueden ir a: CDC en Espaņol: Virus del Nilo Occidental.

Contact Information

To report standing water, illegal dumping, and increased mosquito activity, visit the Report a West Nile Virus Concern page for instructions and contact information.

Additional Links & Resources

08/10/06 - Three Additional Human Cases of West Nile Virus Identified in Collin County

08/03/06 - Five Human Cases of West Nile Virus Reported in Collin County

Collin County West Nile Virus 2005 Information

Collin County West Nile Virus 2004 Information

Collin County West Nile Virus 2003 Information

 

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