FIVE D’s TO HELP FAMILIES “FIGHT THE BITES!”

Protect yourself and your family against West Nile Virus by following the five D’s

• DRAIN—all areas of standing water including changing  water in wading pools and bird bathes every other day, cleaning out gutters, and not allowing water to stagnate in old tires, flowerpots, trash containers, pet bowls, etc..;
• DEET—Use insect repellents that contain DEET or are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to provide protection for the amount of time you will be outdoors;
• DRESS—Dress in light-colored clothing with long sleeves and pants;
• DUSK/DAWN—Limit outdoor exposure at dusk and dawn;
• DOORS—Keep door and window screens in good repair.

As of Oct. 11, 2012, the Collin County Health Department (Collin County Health Care Services) reports 76 confirmed West Nile Virus cases in Collin County, and four related deaths.

What are the symptoms of West Nile Virus and who has the greatest risk of becoming severly ill?
Persons who develop symptoms from West Nile Virus may have fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph glands, tiredness, and may notice a skin rash on the trunk of the body.  Symptoms can last just a few days or a person may be ill for several weeks.  Anyone who is experiencing these symptoms is advised to contact their health care provider.  In some individuals, symptoms are severe and they may experience neck stiffness, high fever, headache, muscle weakness, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis and coma.  People over 50 years of age and those who have weakened immune systems have the greatest risk of becoming severely ill if they are infected with West Nile Virus. 

Where can I get more information?

• Centers for Disease Control: for general information about West Nile
• Texas Department of State Health Services: state website that includes information about human West Nile Cases for all counties in Texas from 2002 to the present as well as statistics and maps

Local Environmental Health Departments (for questions regarding mosquito control, spraying, and standing water)

• City of Allen
• City of Frisco
• City of McKinney
• City of Plano
• Unincorporated Areas

CDC West Nile Virus Homepage

Potential Mosquito Breeding Grounds

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

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