First West Nile death of the year in Collin County reported Tuesday

Plano has seen 17 West Nile cases this year; Collin County has seen 36.

PLANO — The Plano Environmental Health Department announced Tuesday that a death caused by West Nile Virus has occurred in the 75025 zip code.

Two additional human cases of West Nile Virus were also reported in the 75093 and 75075 zip codes, bringing this year’s total number of cases in Plano to 17.

The death is the first of its kind for Collin County this year. The most recent county-wide tally of human West Nile infections, released yesterday, was 36.

A press release from the city of Plano said the environmental health department will continue to educate the public on mosquito habitat reduction strategies, monitor for mosquito activity, and apply mosquito larvicide and spray abatement measures.

The city’s mosquito management program does not currently include plans for aerial spraying similar to that conducted in Dallas County, the release said.

Residents can reduce mosquito breeding around their residences by draining standing water outside of their homes and maintaining swimming pools. Residents should use mosquito repellant containing DEET during in early morning and dusk when mosquitoes are most prevalent.

A West Nile Virus informational hotline (972-941-7180) has been set up to provide answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding the virus and at-home prevention measures.

Information and updates to the map of neighborhoods that have been treated can be found here.