Public Information Office
210 S. McDonald St. Suite 636
McKinney, TX  75069

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Leigh Hornsby, Public Information Officer
972-548-4772
publicrelations@collincountytx.gov

July 19, 2004

West Nile Virus Update

( McKinney , TX ) – Collin County is not reporting any positive test results for West Nile Virus (WNV) in horses, birds, mosquitoes or humans.

Collin County began its annual mosquito surveillance/trapping program last week. Eight traps were set in various locations in the unincorporated portions of the c ounty. No mosquito test results have yet been received from the Texas Department of Health. County c ode e nforcement o fficers have investigated six complaints of standing/stagnant water this season .

Collin County is not taking "dead bird" calls at this time. The Texas Department of Health (TDH) tests the birds that are submitted by local government agencies for West Nile Virus. When a county has a bird that tests positive for WNV, testing for that county is suspended so that the TDH laboratory can concentrate on testing birds for counties that do not have WNV identified.

"We know that West Nile virus has been present in Collin County for the past two years," says Collin County nurse epidemiologist Janet Glowicz . "We are encouraging environmental health departments to test mosquitoes as they represent the actual bridge of infection between birds and humans. Controlling the numbers of mosquitoes is key to preventing human infection."

Do not touch dead bird with bare hands.

Most importantly, residents need to remember the 4 D's: drain all standing water; dress in light-colored ; long sleeve clothing when outdoors; use a mosquito repellant that contains DEET ; and stay indoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

To report increased mosquito activity, standing water or illegal dumping, please call Collin County 's West Nile Virus Hotline at (972) 548-5525.

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