September 4, 2009

Second Case of West Nile Virus Confirmed in Arlington

This week, the City of Arlington received confirmation from Tarrant County Public Health of a second doctor-reported human case of West Nile Virus. The general vicinity is west Randol Mill Road and Inverness Street in northwest Arlington.

The first doctor-reported human case was confirmed on Aug. 31 in the Woodland West area of west Arlington.

According to Tarrant County Public Health officials, the number of confirmed cases in Arlington is consistent with those reported in prior years.

The City of Arlington is reminding residents to help reduce mosquito populations by removing stagnant or standing water in places where mosquitoes breed. Residents are also being encouraged to stay indoors during the hours immediately preceding and immediately after dawn and dusk. When outdoors, residents should dress in light-colored, long-sleeve clothing and use an insect repellent containing DEET.

Health officials in the Community Services Department are surveying creeks and drainage areas as well as notifying schools, childcare centers, outdoor activity centers and nursing home facilities.

Prevention information in English and Spanish is available on the City of Arlington web site at www.arlingtontx.gov/health/infectiousdiseases.html. For more information and to report standing water, call 817-459-6777.