PRESS RELEASES - AUGUST 2008

August 19, 2008

Three Cases of West Nile Virus Confirmed in Arlington
Residents Urged to Safeguard Public Health

This week, Tarrant County Public Health confirmed three doctor-reported human cases of West Nile Virus in the city of Arlington. The general vicinities include Cravens Park area south of I-20 in southeast Arlington and Davis Drive to Cooper Street north of I-30.

To date, there are no reports of serious illness or death associated with West Nile Virus in Arlington. Throughout the city, residents are asked to help reduce mosquito populations.

“We are reminding residents to remove all stagnant or standing water in places where mosquitoes can breed,” said Lee Hitchcock, director of the Community Services Department.

With public education materials in print and electronic forms, the City of Arlington is spreading the word, strongly encouraging residents to stay indoors during the hours immediately preceding and immediately after dawn and dusk. Residents are being reminded to dress in light-colored, long-sleeve clothing when outside and use an insect repellent containing DEET.

Health officials in the Community Services Department are surveying creeks and drainage areas and notifying schools, childcare centers, outdoor activity centers and nursing home facilities about the virus.

The best tools are education and self protection, said Arlington Mayor Robert Cluck.

“We are calling upon all residents of Arlington to take personal responsibility for protecting themselves from this virus,” he said.

The Community Services Department has developed a response plan based on guidelines established by the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Center for Disease Control. The plan emphasizes source reduction and personal protection.

Information in English and Spanish is available on the City of Arlington website at www.arlingtontx.gov/health/infectiousdiseases.html. Additional information about personal protection and how to eliminate mosquito breeding is available by calling 817-459-6777.