At least 175 people have been infected and at least 9 have been said to have died due to a West Nile virus outbreak in Dallas County, Texas.
As reported by CNN, Dallas County’s director of homeland security and emergency management, Judge Clay Jenkins, declared a state of emergency on Friday.
“This declaration will expand our avenues for assistance in our ongoing battle with West Nile virus,” stated Jenkins. “While we are busy doing everything we can to keep residents well informed and as protected as possible, we need your help.”
Areas that have been affected the most by the virus will be sprayed by insecticide by means of small airplanes.
Jenkins has pointed out “The insecticide is safe. The planes are quite sophisticated, and they get the spray to where it needs to go.”
Tarrant County, located approximately 35 miles west of Dallas County, has received 146 reported cases of the West Nile virus in the past few weeks and has not yet declared a state of emergency.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that officials in Houston have notified residents to be aware of the increased threat of West Nile-infected mosquitoes, especially from mid-August through September.
Have A Question? Ask Jessica!
-
Jessica: Hi, I'm Jessica, the Consumer Press AI, can I help you with a consumer question?
