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 10, 2003

Collin County West Nile Virus Update

(McKinney, TX) – The Texas Department of Health (TDH) has confirmed that a fifth person has contracted the West Nile Virus in Collin County. The latest human case is in the 75023 zip code of Plano.

Earlier this week, TDH confirmed two additional human cases of West Nile Virus in Collin County. These 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. There have been no human deaths due to the West Nile Virus in Collin County, and all five persons are recovering at home.

Onset of the last three cases was between September 11th and 24th. Onset of the two previous cases was in early August.

Six horses have also contracted the disease this year. Two cases were confirmed in Plano, and one each in McKinney, Allen, Celina, and Lucas. Of the six, four of the horses had to be euthanized.

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 also tested positive for the West Nile Virus 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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