A STATE OF emergency has been declared in Dallas in an attempt to stem the spread of the West Nile virus
So far this year, the number of reported infections in the ninth largest US city surpassed any other since the disease was first detected in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Twenty-six people have died from the virus so far this year, with 14 of the fatalities occurring in Texas. Almost half of the 693 cases of the mosquito-borne disease reported to the CDC have been in Texas.
While approximately 80 per cent of people infected with the virus show no symptoms, some can become seriously ill and even die. Severe symptoms can include high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. Symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects can be permanent.
Vulnerable people, including older people and children, are particularly at risk from the virus.
Dallas County officials are preparing for aerial pesticide spraying this week to kill disease-carrying mosquitoes – although concerns have been raised about exposing people to a high level of chemical pesticides.
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