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West Nile virus is spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes when they feed on the blood of infected birds. The disease can then be transmitted to humans and animals. Severe cases can cause encephalitis, while the mildest symptoms include fever, headache, and muscle aches.
Last year, in Dallas County, 199 mosquito traps were tested positive, 13 people were infected with the disease and one died.
The best way to avoid exposure to the virus is to avoid mosquitoes. Anyone from the outside should use insect repellents containing DEET or other insect repellents registered with the EPA.
Other suggestions include wearing long, loose, light-colored clothes on the outside; and drain and treat stagnant water around homes and places where mosquitoes might lay eggs.
Editor-in-Chief Anna Kuchment contributed to this report.
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