West Nile Emergency Declared In Dallas County - KAUZ-TV: Newschannel 6 Now | Wichita Falls, TX

West Nile Emergency Declared In Dallas County

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DALLAS (AP) - Dallas County's top official has declared a public health emergency, saying the spread of the West Nile virus has become epidemic.
    
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins announced the declaration in a statement issued Thursday night. Jenkins says county officials are doing all they can to fight the spread of the virus but need the public to do their part.
    
Dallas County health officials have reported 162 West Nile virus cases and nine West Nile deaths so far this year. Mosquitoes pick up the virus from birds they bite and then spread it to people.
    
The nation's top health officials say more serious illnesses from West Nile virus have been reported so far this year than any since 2004. Most have been in Texas, especially around the Dallas area.

Click here for more information what to do to prevent mosquito bites.

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