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

August 26, 2003

TDH Confirms Human Case of West Nile Virus in Collin County

(McKinney, TX) - Collin County Health Care Services (CCHCS) has received confirmation from the Texas Department of Health of one human case of West Nile Virus in a resident from the 75070 zip code in the city of McKinney.

As of August 23, two crows collected in the 75023 zip code and one blue jay collected in zip code 75075 had been found to be infected with the West Nile Virus. Mosquitoes have been submitted for testing by the Plano Environmental Health Department and Collin County Health Services. But, no mosquitoes trapped in Collin County have tested positive for WNV.

CCHCS is continuing to actively look for West Nile Virus in humans and mosquitoes. Bird testing is no longer being continued by the Texas Department of Health.

All residents should continue to protect themselves from West Nile Virus by draining standing water, dressing in light colored, long sleeve clothing when outdoors, using mosquito repellants containing DEET and staying indoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Residents are asked to call the West Nile information line at 972-548-5525 to record reports of increased mosquito activity, sightings of dead birds and standing water in Collin County.

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