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| Dallas in state of emergency after West Nile virus | Dallas in state of emergency after West Nile virus |
| (about 3 hours later) | |
| The city of Dallas in the US state of Texas has declared a state of emergency as it struggles to contain an outbreak of mosquito-borne West Nile virus. | The city of Dallas in the US state of Texas has declared a state of emergency as it struggles to contain an outbreak of mosquito-borne West Nile virus. |
| At least 14 people have died after contracting the virus in the state so far this year. | At least 14 people have died after contracting the virus in the state so far this year. |
| Almost 700 cases have been reported across the country - the highest number since 2004. | Almost 700 cases have been reported across the country - the highest number since 2004. |
| Texas residents have been urged to use insect repellent and avoid going out at dusk and dawn. | Texas residents have been urged to use insect repellent and avoid going out at dusk and dawn. |
| "The city of Dallas is experiencing a widespread outbreak of mosquito-borne West Nile Virus that has caused and appears likely to continue to cause widespread and severe illness and loss of life," Michael Rawlings said. | "The city of Dallas is experiencing a widespread outbreak of mosquito-borne West Nile Virus that has caused and appears likely to continue to cause widespread and severe illness and loss of life," Michael Rawlings said. |
| The move clears the way for aerial spraying to kill infected mosquitoes that transmit the disease. | The move clears the way for aerial spraying to kill infected mosquitoes that transmit the disease. |
| Protective clothing | Protective clothing |
| Aerial spraying is also being used elsewhere, including in New York City - where the virus was discovered on Staten Island last month - and Sacramento, California. | Aerial spraying is also being used elsewhere, including in New York City - where the virus was discovered on Staten Island last month - and Sacramento, California. |
| There have been cases of infection reported in people, birds or mosquitoes in 42 US states, with 80% of the cases in Texas, Mississippi and Oklahoma. | There have been cases of infection reported in people, birds or mosquitoes in 42 US states, with 80% of the cases in Texas, Mississippi and Oklahoma. |
| In Texas, the worst-affected state, residents have been urged to get rid of stagnant water, where the insect can breed, and to wear protective clothing. | In Texas, the worst-affected state, residents have been urged to get rid of stagnant water, where the insect can breed, and to wear protective clothing. |
| Officials say it is too early to say what has caused the fresh outbreak, though some suggest that a mild winter and wet spring may have been a factor. | Officials say it is too early to say what has caused the fresh outbreak, though some suggest that a mild winter and wet spring may have been a factor. |
| The virus was first discovered in 1937 in Uganda. It is carried by birds and spread to humans by mosquitoes. | The virus was first discovered in 1937 in Uganda. It is carried by birds and spread to humans by mosquitoes. |
| In extreme cases, symptoms can include high fever, loss of vision and paralysis. Milder manifestations can include headaches and skin rashes. | In extreme cases, symptoms can include high fever, loss of vision and paralysis. Milder manifestations can include headaches and skin rashes. |
| Those at greater risk of a serious case of the illness are those over the age of 50, or people who already suffer from a major health problem. | |
| Are you in Dallas in Texas? Have you been affected by the virus? What precautions are you taking? Please share your comments and experiences. |