Public Information Office
210 S. McDonald St. Suite 636
McKinney, TX  75069

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

October 8, 2003

Collin County West Nile Virus Update

(McKinney, TX) - The Texas Department of Health (TDH) has confirmed that five additional horses have contracted the West Nile Virus in Collin County. This is in addition to a horse that contracted the virus in August.

Earlier this week, TDH confirmed additional human cases of West Nile Virus in Collin County, bringing the total number of human 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 two crows from the 75023 zip code of Plano and one blue jay from the 75075 zip code. 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. Residents should continue to follow these recommendations until the first freeze this fall.

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