Mega Doctor News
EDINBURG – Authorities have confirmed an 83-year-old Donna man died Wednesday night of the West Nile virus; and a 92-year-old from Pharr, Texas man has been hospitalized with what is expected to be the second local case of West Nile.
The Hidalgo County death is the third West Nile virus fatality in Texas this year.
The West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne illness. Persons over 50 years of age and those with weakened immune systems are the most vulnerable, however all residents are urged to take precautions when working or playing outdoors.
A statewide campaign, called Fight the Bite, encourages residents to protect themselves from the West Nile virus by following these four steps:
- Stay indoors at Dusk and Dawn. This is the time of day that mosquitoes are most active. • Dress in long sleeves/pants, loose and light-colored clothing when outdoors. • Defend yourself from mosquitoes by using and insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. • Drain standing water in your yard and neighborhood. Also make sure that flower pots, water dishes, bird baths and wading pools are properly drained so they are not breeding grounds for mosquitoes.