By BJ Austin, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-852646.mp3
Dallas, TX –
Tarrant County has its first West Nile virus DEATH of the season. KERA's BJ Austin says it was an elderly Euless resident.
This is the first death from the mosquito-borne West Nile virus in Tarrant County since 2006. That year there were seven. Dr. Sandra Parker, County Medical Director, says West Nile was not the sole cause of death in this case, but played a part in the death of the Mid-cities resident. Earlier a Bedford man in his 60's was diagnosed with West Nile, and is recovering. Dr. Parker says she's concerned the recent rains may increase standing water breeding grounds for the mosquitoes that transmit West Nile.
Parker: As of yet, we have only had 11 positive pool samples of mosquitoes. At this point, it appears to be a mild season. However, the peak incidence of West Nile is usually late August to September, so it is still early in that season.
Dallas County has not reported any "human" cases of West Nile so far. But infected mosquito pools have been identified in 23 zip codes. Spray trucks will be out next week in an area north of Love Field, and near Camp Wisdom and I-20 in South Dallas.