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 26, 2003

Collin County West Nile Virus Update

(McKinney, TX) - The Texas Department of Health (TDH) has confirmed that a mosquito pool in the 75023 zip code of Plano tested positive for the West Nile Virus. So far this year, TDH confirmed that one McKinney resident and one Frisco resident have contracted West Nile. Both are recovering at home. Additionally, a horse, which was a three-year-old Gelding, was euthanized in McKinney on August 21st after tests confirmed the virus.

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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