School of Public Health

Battling West Nile Virus

June 29, 2013 • Uncategorized

With health officials reporting the second case of West Nile virus (WNV) in the state found in Tarrant County in mid-June, the city of Fort Worth is on high alert again this year.

Last year, Tarrant County was hit hard by the disease, with 11 deaths and 259 total cases, 105 of which were severe.

As the city prepares for another battle this summer, officials there are partnering with UNTHSC for surveillance, mosquito testing and recommendations.

Led by SPH professor Joon Lee, PhD, in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, the effort will involve mosquito collections throughout the city, testing at both the Tarrant County Public Health Department and UNTHSC labs, assessment of risk for WNV exposure, and science-based interventions to combat spread of the disease.

While the official contract runs through October, Dr. Lee will continue to work with the city on follow-up until the end of the year.