City Of Fort Worth: West Nile Virus Positive Human Case Confirmed In Fort Worth Resident

Press release from City of Fort Worth:

August 13, 2021

Tarrant County Public Health has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus for the 2021 season. The first positive mosquito pool was reported on April 21.

The individual involved is a resident of Fort Worth and contracted the more serious neuroinvasive disease. The person is over 65 years old and has been discharged from the hospital to continue to recover. Additional details are not being released to protect the identity of the patient.

The mild form of the disease is commonly referred to as West Nile fever. Symptoms include headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, nausea and fatigue. People typically recover on their own, although symptoms may last for several weeks.

The more severe form is often referred to as West Nile neuroinvasive disease. Symptoms include neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis. This form of the disease can be deadly.

Learn how to protect yourself and your family from the virus by controlling mosquito populations. 

Photo: Dump standing water around your home by emptying and scrubbing all outdoor containers such as pools, toys, planters, birdbaths and trash containers.

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This press release was produced by City of Fort Worth. The views expressed here are the author’s own.