FIRST POSITIVE HUMAN CASE OF WEST NILE VIRUS FOR 2024 SEASON IN TARRANT COUNTY

Tarrant County Public Health Confirms First Positive Human Case West Nile Virus

July 13, 2024 - (Tarrant County) - Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) for the 2024 season.

The individual involved contracted the more serious neuroinvasive form of the disease. Additional details are not being released to protect the identity of the patient.

Symptoms for the neuroinvasive form of West Nile include neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis. This form of the disease can be deadly.

The mild form of the disease, which is more common, is referred to as West Nile fever. Symptoms include headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, nausea and fatigue. People typically recover on their own, although symptoms may last for several weeks.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states that only about 20 percentage of people infected with WNV will experience symptoms, and that serious cases are rare.

To date, TCPH has found a total of 169 WNV-positive mosquito pools within Tarrant County. Monitoring for the virus in mosquito pools is ongoing throughout the season (April through mid-November). For the 2023 season, TCPH reported 12 human cases of West Nile disease. The first positive mosquito pool was reported in May 2024.

TCPH reminds residents of the importance of taking personal protective measures to safeguard against West Nile Virus. Residents should routinely dump standing water on their property, use EPA-approved insect repellent, and dress in long sleeves and pants.

For more information about West Nile Virus, visit the Be Mosquito Free webpage.

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