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

September 05, 2003

Collin County West Nile Virus Update

(McKinney, TX) - The Texas Department of Health (TDH) has confirmed that a horse in Collin County contracted the West Nile Virus. The horse, which was a three-year-old Gelding, was euthanized in McKinney on August 21st. This is the only horse confirmed to have contracted the virus in Collin County this year.

The first and only confirmed human case of West Nile Virus in Collin County during 2003 was reported in the 75070 zip code of McKinney. The case was confirmed by the Texas Department of Health on August 26th.

Three possible cases of West Nile Virus in Collin County are being investigated by the Texas Department of Health. Two cases are in the 75069 zip code of Fairview, and the third case is in the 75034 zip code of Frisco. None of the cases have been confirmed by the TDH. These are the only cases under investigation in Collin County at this time.

In July, two crows from the 75023 zip code of Plano and one blue jay from the 75075 zip code tested positive for the virus. Mosquitoes from the 75082 zip code of Richardson have also tested positive for West Nile.

Collin County Health Care Services urges all residents to take precautions against mosquito bites by following “The Four D’s”: Drain all standing water; dress in light-colored, long sleeve clothing when outdoors; use a mosquito repellant that contains DEET; and stay indoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

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