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Dallas County Confirms First Human Cases Of West Nile For 2014

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Mosquitos carrying the West Nile virus can transmit it to humans.

Dallas County Health and Human Services has confirmed the first cases of West Nile virus of the season. 

Two people in Dallas County are confirmed to have contracted West Nile fever. One resident lives in Dallas and the other lives in Coppell.

“Since there is no vaccine or antiviral treatment for WNV infection, residents should adhere to preventive measures to protect themselves and their loved ones,” says DCHHS Medical Director Dr. Christopher Perkins.

In 2012, there were 225 cases of West Nile fever in Dallas County. That number dropped significantly in 2013 to just five cases. 

Cases of West Nile Virus in 2013

Dallas County West Nile Virus Cases 2005 to 2012

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Former KERA staffer Krystina Martinez was an assistant producer. She produced local content for Morning Edition and KERANews.org. She also produced The Friday Conversation, a weekly series of conversations with North Texas newsmakers. Krystina was also the backup newscaster for the Texas Standard.