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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

September 9, 2004

Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile in Collin County – first detection in county this year

(McKinney, TX) – A mosquito pool in the 75082 zip code of Richardson has tested positive for West Nile Virus – the first detection of the virus in Collin County this year.

“This serves as a reminder that the virus is out there and that residents need to follow the proper precautions when they participate in outdoor activities,” says Collin County Health Services 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.

Reports of infected mosquitoes are a much higher indicator of potential human infection.

The Texas Department of State Health Services 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. Twenty-two horses also contracted the virus last year.

West Nile infections peaked in September and October in 2003.

###