Public Information Office
210 S. McDonald St. Suite 540
McKinney, TX  75069

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Leigh Hornsby, Public Information Officer
972-548-4772
publicrelations@co.collin.tx.us

July 25, 2003

Two crows test positive for West Nile in Collin County

(McKinney, TX) - Two crows submitted for testing by the Collin County Health Department have tested positive for West Nile Virus. The birds were discovered at the same location in the 75023 zip code in Plano. However, all mosquitoes trapped by Plano health officials have tested negative for the virus.

The city of Plano is continuing mosquito surveillance and control in the area where the crows were found. Updates on the city’s mosquito spraying plan are available at the city of Plano website, www.planotx.org. The next scheduled spraying will occur July 29th.

There have been no cases of West Nile in humans or horses in Collin County this year. However, residents should remain vigilant in mosquito prevention activities. Sightings of dead birds, reports of standing water and illegal dumping can be reported by calling the county’s West Nile Information Line at: 972-548-5525.

Last year was the first year in which the virus was confirmed in the county. According to the Texas Department of Health, there was one human case in the county and no human deaths. Eighteen horses and four Blue Jays are known to have contracted the disease in 2002.

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