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

October 7, 2003

Collin County West Nile Virus Update

(McKinney, TX) – The Texas Department of Health (TDH) has confirmed two additional cases of West Nile Virus in Collin County, bringing the total number of cases up to four. The most recent cases were found in residents in the 75094 zip code of Murphy and the 75070 zip code of McKinney.

Previously, TDH confirmed that another McKinney resident and one Frisco resident contracted the disease. All four persons are recovering at home.

Additionally, a pool of mosquitoes trapped in the 75023 zip code of Plano contracted the West Nile Virus, as did a horse, which was a three-year-old Gelding. The horse 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 also tested positive for West Nile this year.

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. Residents should continue to follow these recommendations until the first freeze this fall.

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