Second West Nile Virus Case in Dallas

Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) today announced a second human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) infection in Dallas County for 2023.

The female patient is a City of Dallas resident and was diagnosed with West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease (WNND.)

As of July 22, 2023, there have not been any WNV-related fatalities in Dallas.

“Mosquito activity continues in Dallas County, and we are now reporting the second human case of West Nile Virus of the 2023 season. WNV is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito, and people should be careful when going out outside to enjoy outdoor activities,” said Dr. Philip Huang, DCHHS Director. 

DCHHS also reported this week:

• Positive Mosquito Traps = 85
• Positive Mosquito Pools = 81

As of July 18, 2023, the U.S. CDC reported 12 states had confirmed 47 WNV cases and 33 WNND in 2023. The majority of these cases were reported in Arizona.

In 2022, there were over 1,100 WNV cases in the U.S.

WNV infected mosquitoes can transmit WNV to humans, and severe infections can cause neurologic complications such as encephalitis. Milder symptoms include fever, headache, and muscle aches, says the CDC.

No vaccine or specific treatment for WNV is approved by the U.S. FDA.