So far this Summer West Nile has not been an issue in Southlake.
There's nothing morebrannoying than the buzz of a mosquito in your ear. However, with Tarrant CountybrPublic Health (TCPH) confirming the first human case of West Nile virus for thebr2014 season, you may have a little more than buzzing to be worried about.
At this time, the only detailbrknown is that this case is from the City of Crowley, and it is a case of WestbrNile Neuroinvasive Disease. While West Nile Fever is the name given to the mildbrform of the disease, when the suffix “Neuroinvasive Disease” is added the casebrbecomes much more serious.
Despite last year's West Nile concerns, there is good news forbrSouthlake. As of July 25, 2014, there have been no reported human casesbrof West Nile Virus, and all of the mosquito tests have been negative.
However, up to 80 percentbrof people infected with West Nile Virus don't show symptoms. Therefore the bestbrdefense is to avoid mosquito bites. Easier said than done though, right? ThebrCity of Southlake wants to remind you of the Four Ds to better help you “Fightbrthe Bite.”
Four Ds to help Fight the Bite:
- Drain allbrfreestanding water – especially important considering all the rain we havebrreceived.
- Dress in long sleevesbrand long pants.
- Dusk/Dawn are thebrtimes of day when mosquitos that carry West Nile virus are most active.
- DEET – use insectbrrepellent that contains DEET.
Tarrant County has anbrinteractive mapping tool that allows you to stay updated on current West NilebrVirus conditions throughout the county. For more information about this map andbrthe virus in general, visit the city's Fight the Bite website.