Tarrant County Public Health confirms first positive human case of West Nile for 2024

Tarrant County Public Health confirmed Saturday the first positive human case of West Nile Virus for 2024.

The person contracted the more serious neuroinvasive form of the disease, TCPH said in a news release.

According to TCPH, symptoms for the neuroinvasive form of West Nile include:

• Neck stiffness
• Stupor
• Disorientation
• Coma
• Tremors
• Convulsions
• Muscle weakness
• Paralysis

This form of the disease can be deadly, says TCPH.

About 20 percent of people infected with West Nile will experience symptoms and serious cases are rare, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

TCPH has found 169 West Nile-positive mosquito pools in Tarrant County. Health officials monitor mosquito pools for the virus from April through November every year. For 2023, TCPH reported 12 positive human cases of the West Nile disease. The first mosquito pool for this year was reported in May, according to the release.

Officials urge the public to take protective measures to prevent contracting the virus. Residents are encouraged to regularly dump standing water on their properties, use EPA-approved insect repellent, and dress in long sleeves and pants.