Park Cities Man Dies of West Nile Virus
Adding to an increasingly bizarre pair of weeks in the Park Cities, a Highland Park man has died from West Nile virus, a source has told Park Cities People.
The man, in his early eighties, died yesterday. When asked for comment, a Dallas Health and Human Services rep said the department was preparing a press release on the death, and would not confirm any additional details.
The death would be the second West Nile-related death in Dallas County this year.
Stay tuned.
UPDATE: HHS confirmed the death in a statement, then included this:
“Dallas County and our municipal partners are taking the appropriate actions to ensure the safety of our residents,” said Director Zachary Thompson. “With the widespread nature of West Nile this season, it is imperative that residents also do their part by taking the necessary precautions to avoid exposure to the virus.”
“We are concerned about the number and severity of the human cases so far this summer. We once again urge residents to exercise precaution and avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent and by mosquito proofing their home,” said Dr. Christopher Perkins, Medical Director/Health Authority. “Studies have shown that the majority of people who contracted the more serious form of West Nile infection did not use insect repellent.”
PCP has learned the 81-year-old man was in the banking industry. Since it was a natural death, we’re not releasing his identity at this time.
Why hasn’t HP sprayed the western half of the town yet? Every time I step outside and get eaten alive by swarms of mosquitoes all over town, I just hope that my young kids don’t get bitten by one w/ West Nile. For the town thinking West Nile is only restricted to the east side of town is absurd.
Is a death by West Nile virus natural?
AR- West Nile typically affects the elderly, those whose physical faculties are already diminished. I think that qualifies, though I recognize your point.