Four West Nile deaths in North Texas: How Dallas County monitors mosquitoes

Published: Aug 30, 2024 Duration: 00:03:19 Category: News & Politics

Tags : news ] [ health

Trending searches: west nile virus deaths

In your health news. This morning, two people in New Jersey died from West Nile virus on Friday. And here at home officials are warning Texans about the spread of West Nile virus and how to protect yourself. This summer, there were four reported deaths, one in each of the count counties that you see on your screen. Denton Colin Tran and Dallas in Dallas, we are getting an inside look at how they're handling cases right now. Joining us this morning is Christian Grisales from Dallas County Health and Human Services. Good morning to you Christian. Hey, good morning. How are you? Yeah, I'm good. I'm out here in the middle of the park. You know, I see a lot of mosquito activity going on, so I'm ready for, to stay protected with my repellent. I'm thankful you're up and early with us this morning. How does Dallas County monitor mosquito activity that may cause West Nile? Well, we work with every municipality within Dallas County. We do uh collect, we collect traps uh and then we analyze those mosquitoes uh in our mosquito control lab, we separate them from female to male. Uh We analyze that data and then we issue reports to alert the community where those affected areas where we've seen most West Nile virus activity. So we work diligently with every municipality within Dallas County. Right. Christian, where, what cities are you seeing some of this activity from that's most impacted. We're seeing a lot of mosquito activity in Mesquite in Dallas and Irving. But all throughout the county this summer has been terrible for West Nile and that's why we want people to be careful when they go outdoors, especially, uh, you know, early in the morning or in the evening. Uh, you know, so they're not victims of West Nile virus, you know, mosquito, mosquito bites are just terrible for everybody. Yeah. Yeah. What are you guys doing? I guess to handle those affected areas, what we do is we issue reports and then we spray those affected areas. So, for example, last week we sprayed in many different cities, uh, in Dallas County. So, and this spraying takes place usually in the evenings from 9 p.m. till 5 a.m. And that's why we want people to be indoor, uh, when this happens. So, hopefully, uh, you know, so we can eradicate West Nile from our communities, right? Christian, there's also some companies across North Texas that will come to your house and spray as well in your back and front yard and do that as well. You know, how can the community rather protect themselves against mosquito bites that cause West Nile? Virus and what should we be looking out for? Well, we always suggest the following the four D and the number one is to use this repelling, you know, this repellent helps protect against mosquito bites. Number two is to wear light colored clothing like I'm doing right now. Um In addition, we need to drain all standing from our house or wherever we live. Mosquitoes only need a teaspoon of water to breathe. And lastly to limit outdoor activity between dawn or from dawn to dusk. And that's when mosquitoes are most active in our community, right? How can people reach out and get more information? Well, people can go to our website on for Dallas County Health and Human Services. We have a lot of information and also all the data about our reporting. They can go there, they can follow us on social media and also they can watch for news updates in their community to stay, um you know, informed of what's going on and not fall victims of West Nile virus, Christian. You were awesome. Thank you so much for your insight this morning. Thank you. Alrighty. Thank you.

Share your thoughts

Related Transcripts

3rd death linked to listeria outbreak in deli meat

Category: News & Politics

We have an update now on that listeria outbreak tied to deli meats. a third person has now died since may 43 people in multiple states have been hospitalized. the food poisoning outbreak led to the recall of more than 7 million pounds of boars head deli meats. listeria poisoning is caused by a particularly... Read more

Insects, mold and puddles of blood found at Boar's Head packing plant

Category: News & Politics

Federal inspectors say they found bugs mold and even puddles of blood at a boar's head plant in virginia in connection to a massive deli meat recall. so far nine deaths have been linked to the listeria outbreak and 57 others have been hospitalized. boar has recalled more than 7 million pounds of its... Read more

West Nile Virus continues to rise in North Texas cities as Massachusetts fights new virus

Category: News & Politics

Uh right now, health care officials, they are warning everyone about west nile virus cases as they uh continue to rise in our area. this comes as denton county reported their third human case on friday, several north texas cities. they're reporting west nile positive mosquito samples too and some are... Read more

Government announces more COVID-19 tests can be ordered through mail for no cost

Category: News & Politics

People can soon order free at home covid-19 test online. once again, as families can order up to four tests per household through the website covid test.gov. the relaunch of this at home test delivery program will begin near the end of next month and the department of health and human services will... Read more

1 person dead from mosquito-borne illness

Category: News & Politics

One person is dead after getting the mosquito borne illness known as triple e virus. health officials say at least four other human cases have been reported in the us this year and now precautions are being taken to reduce the risk. here's a b c's alison kosik officials on alert after new hampshire... Read more

At least nine people died after Boar's Head Listeria recall

Category: News & Politics

At least nine people have died from a hysteria outbreak affecting boar's head deli meats. the company has expanded a recall that kicked off last month to include more than 7 million pounds of products. so far, no deaths reported in texas. Read more

Mpox detected at Fort Dodge Correctional Facility

Category: News & Politics

The iowa department of corrections reported today that at least one case of ox was detected at the fort dodge correctional facility. local five's alex fulton is in studio with the latest on this developing situation. alex stephanie. i reached out to the iowa department of corrections to figure out exactly... Read more

CDC monitors Oropouche virus

Category: News & Politics

The cdc is keeping a close eye on o over push virus also known as sloth fever. it comes after nearly two dozen people returning to the us from cuba have been infected in recent months. no one has died and there's no evidence that this virus is spreading. symptoms are similar to other tropical diseases... Read more

Boar's Head plant linked to deadly outbreak broke food safety rules dozens of times, records show

Category: News & Politics

Tonight, new federal records show dozens of health violations at a boar's head plant. and virginia led to the country's largest listeria outbreak in more than a decade. at least nine people are dead, including one in florida violations including mildew, black mold and insects. right. now, you're urged... Read more

Concerns over the spread of mosquito-borne viruses

Category: News & Politics

So as of this month, the maine cdc has reported six cases of west nile virus and wild birds. now, while the virus can't be spread from animals to people, it is transmitted by mosquito. so now the state of maine is one of 30 where west nile virus has been confirmed. maggie vespa with nbc news has one... Read more

Houston's Mattress Mack hospitalized with cognitive issues

Category: News & Politics

And now to houston where texas legend and businessman mattress mack is in the hospital, he posted from his hospital bed on social media saying he's having trouble with cognitive things, but he seemed in good spirits as always and promoted his business on the video. but it's not clear how long he'll... Read more

What to know about the Oropouche virus, also known as sloth fever

Category: News & Politics

Are also issuing a warning about another mosquito borne illness. yeah, that's right. it's called sloth fever or sloth virus. the virus got its name because sloths are among the animals who routinely get infected this year, there have been more than 8000 cases worldwide compared to less than 1000 last... Read more