DALLAS — Texas’ first case of illness from the West Nile virus this year was reported in Dallas County. According to Dallas County Health and Human Services, a local contracted the West Nile neuroinvasive disease.

Infected mosquitoes carry the virus and can pass it on through a bite. Although people exposed to the disease rarely get sick, 20% experience headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, nausea and fatigue. In serious cases, which are less than 1%, the virus attacks the nervous system and can result in neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis and even death.

“It’s important for people to be aware that there are many diseases transmitted by mosquitoes found in Texas,” said DSHS Commissioner Jennifer Shuford. “Most of these diseases cause mild illness but in rare instances diseases like dengue or Zika can cause severe illness. We’ve even had a locally acquired case of malaria in Texas this year, which underscores the importance of taking precautions to prevent mosquito bites.”

The Texas Department of State Health Services has the following tips to protect yourself and family from mosquito bites:

  • WEAR long sleeves and pants. Create a barrier to mosquito bites by covering up.
  • APPLY insect repellent. Use EPA-registered repellent such as those containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol or 2-undecanone.
  • REMOVE standing water. Emptying out water that accumulates in toys, tires, trash cans, buckets, clogged rain gutters and plant pots will deny mosquitoes a place to lay their eggs and reproduce.

Public health officials also advise using air conditioning and stabilizing windows and door screens so that mosquitoes stay out of the home.

If you become aware of any West Nile symptoms in your family, DSHS said to contact your health care provider and inform them of the mosquito exposure.

Last year, 42 West Nile cases and seven deaths were reported in Texas. Officials stated that within the last five years, the state has had 485 cases and 65 deaths. In Texas, mosquitoes stick around into November and December.