Tarrant County records first death from West Nile Virus in 2020

Tarrant County records first death from West Nile Virus in 2020

July 21, 2020 (Tarrant County, TX) – Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) is reporting the first West Nile Virus (WNV) death of the 2020 season. The death is also the first human case of WNV in 2020. The death involved a senior adult from Fort Worth with underlying medical conditions. Additional details are not being released due to privacy laws.

West Nile Virus can affect anyone, although people age 50 and older run a higher risk of developing a severe infection. About 20 percent of infected people will develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Most people with this type of the disease recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months. The last WNV death in Tarrant County was reported in September of 2018. The last human case was August of 2019.

TCPH reminds residents about the importance of taking personal protective measures to safeguard against the 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 our About West Nile Virus web page.

TCPH has also compiled a list of ways You Can Protect Yourself.

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