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@collincountytx.gov

May 20, 2004

Collin County prepares for West Nile Virus season

(McKinney, TX) - Collin County Health Care Services and Collin County Development Services are working cooperatively to combat, investigate and educate the public about potential cases of West Nile Virus.

Although no cases have been detected in the county this year, work has been underway for months preparing for warm temperatures and humid conditions, which often provide prime conditions for mosquitoes, which carry the disease.

"By the end of the season, we may very well sound like a broken record, but we can't emphasize enough how important it is to follow the "Four D's," says Collin County nurse epidemiologist Janet Glowicz. Residents should 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.

Residents may report standing water, illegal dumping and increased mosquito activity through the County's West Nile Hotline, 972-548-5525.

"A small bird bath or even a water puddle at the bottom of a gutter can make an excellent breeding ground for mosquitoes," says Collin County Development Services Director Misty Brown. "Draining standing water is one of the best ways to get rid of mosquitoes."

The Texas Department of Health (TDH) confirmed three human cases of West Nile Virus in Collin County last year and there were no human deaths. Three additional persons were also screened positive for West Nile Virus in 2003.

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