Emergency Alert: Dallas County Health and Human Services reports West Nile Virus death in Dallas

Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) reports the first West Nile virus death in Dallas County for 2017. The patient was a resident of the 75248 zip code of Dallas and was previously diagnosed with West Nile neuroinvasive disease Friday, July 14. The patient had underlying medical conditions. For medical confidentiality and personal privacy reasons, DCHHS does not provide additional identifying information.

West Nile virus (WNV) is a disease that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes can become infected when they feed on the blood from infected birds. The infected mosquitoes can then transmit WNV to humans and animals. Severe WNV infections can cause neurologic complications such as encephalitis. Milder symptoms include fever, headache and muscle aches. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for WNV.

The best way to avoid exposure to West Nile virus is to avoid mosquito bites. Residents should use the 4Ds to reduce their risk:

• DEET All Day, Every Day: Whenever you’re outside, use insect repellents that contain DEET or other EPA approved repellents and follow instructions.
• Dress: Wear long, loose, and light-colored clothing outside.
• Drain: Drain or treat all standing water in and around your home or workplace.
• Dusk & Dawn: Limit outdoor activities during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

For more information on mosquito prevention follow DCHHS on Facebook and Twitter or go to: www.dallascounty.org/department/hhs/mosquito_prevention.html.

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Emergency Alert: Second human case of West Nile virus reported in Dallas

Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) is reporting the second human case of West Nile Virus infection in Dallas County for the year 2017. The case is a resident of the 75214 zip code of Dallas. The patient was diagnosed with West Nile fever. DCHHS is awaiting confirmation of the case from the Texas Department of State Health Services. For medical confidentiality and personal privacy reasons, DCHHS does not provide additional identifying information.

“Our mosquito surveillance program and the county and municipal abatement teams are taking appropriate actions to ensure the safety of our residents. However, it is important for residents to take the necessary precautions,” said Zachary Thompson, DCHHS director.

The best way to avoid exposure to West Nile Virus is to avoid mosquito bites. Residents should use the 4Ds to reduce their risk:
• DEET All Day, Every Day: Whenever you’re outside, use insect repellents that contain DEET or other EPA approved repellents and follow instructions.
• Dress: Wear long, loose, and light-colored clothing outside.
• Drain: Drain or treat all standing water in and around your home or workplace.
• Dusk & Dawn: Limit outdoor activities during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

“Since there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatments for WNV infection, residents should adhere to preventive measures to protect themselves and their loved ones,” said Dr. Christopher Perkins, DCHHS medical director/health authority. For more information on mosquito prevention, go to:

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Seven ways Dallas residents can Beat the Heat

As temperatures continue to rise during the summer months, it is important to remember to keep cool. The City of Dallas’ Office of Emergency Management has a few tips to beat the heat and keep you safe:

1 – Visit City of Dallas Beat the Heat Centers:

Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
2922 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday

West Dallas Multipurpose Center
2828 Fish Trap Road
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday

Click here to learn more about Beat The Heat Centers.

2 – Avoid drinking coffee and sodas
3 – Keep the lights off and use shades to block the sunlight in your windows at home or work
4 – Limit your time outside and wear loose fitting clothing when outdoors
5 – Make sure the air conditioner is running
6 – Check on elderly neighbors and family
7 – Visit the Salvation Army’s cooling centers:

Carr P. Collins Social Services Center
(Parkland Hospital Area)
5302 Harry Hines Blvd.
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Open every day

Dallas Temple (Love Field Area)
6500 Harry Hines Blvd.
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Monday – Friday

Oak Cliff
1617 W. Jefferson
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Monday – Friday

Cedar Crest (East Oak Cliff)
1007 Hutchins Road
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Monday – Friday

Pleasant Grove (Balch Springs Area)
8341 Elam Road
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Monday – Friday

 

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Dallas WIC Clinics celebrate National Breastfeeding Month

WIC Clinics in Dallas are celebrating National Breastfeeding Month during the month of August. This year’s theme is “Strength Through Support.”

“Our moms want to breastfeed, and these hospitals are doing a better job at helping them succeed,” said City of Dallas Breastfeeding Coordinator Dani Cagle. Dallas has exceeded the state average, with 95 percent of WIC mothers initiating breastfeeding.

There will be events at each of the clinics starting on August 11 at the Community Baby Café, 8202 Spring Valley Road. Attendees can participate in a health fair with community partners, receive more information about WIC’s breastfeeding support, and enjoy refreshments and door prizes. A Spanish presentation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed in English at 10:00 a.m.

More events at other clinics will be announced throughout August.

For more information, contact Dani Cagle at (214) 670-7209 or dani.cagle@dallascityhall.com.

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Dallas Love Field debuts new security option

Dallas Love Field has partnered with CLEAR to make the security process even faster for travelers.

CLEAR uses biometric technology to link passengers’ travel information to their fingerprint or eye scan, allowing them to skip the boarding pass line and straight to TSA screening.

“We are very happy to have CLEAR join Dallas Love Field in a venture that will benefit our customer base” said Mark Duebner, Director of Aviation for Dallas Love Field.

Love Field joins a network of over 20 airports and seven sport venues in the United States that offer this unique service.

Those wanting to take advantage of CLEAR can enroll at Dallas Love Field or online at clearme.com.

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Fair Housing invites citizens to help develop Assessment of Fair Housing Plan

The Department of Fair housing invites the public to attend participation meetings in each council district during the month of July. These events are intended to inform residents about the Department of Fair Housing, allow them to give input in developing the Assessment of Fair Housing Plan and provide an opportunity to review housing issues. There are six upcoming meetings in several council districts:

District 2
Arlington Park Recreation Center
Monday, July 24, 2017
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
1505 Record Crossing Road
Dallas, Texas  75235

District 11
Anne Frank Elementary School
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
5201 Celestial Road
Dallas, Texas  75254

District 13
Walnut Hill Recreation Center
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
10011 Midway Road
Dallas, Texas  75229

District 7
Juanita Craft Recreation Center
Thursday, July 27, 2017
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
4500 Spring Avenue
Dallas, Texas  7521

District 14
Roseland Homes Recreation Center
Saturday, July 29, 2017
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
1949 N. Washington Avenue
Dallas, Texas  75204

District 12
Timberglen Recreation Center
Monday, July 31, 2017
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
3810 Timberglen Road
Dallas, Texas  75287

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LBJ Express closures scheduled this weekend

The first round of closures that will occur as part of the overall maintenance of the LBJ Express will be in place from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. begin Friday through Monday. The following closures will be in place:

• The three right lanes of eastbound I-635 from Preston Road to Park Central Drive will be closed.
• The on-ramp to eastbound I-635 from Hillcrest Road will be closed.
• The off-ramp from eastbound I-635 to Coit Road will be closed. Traffic will be redirected to the off-ramp at Hillcrest Road.

The HOV direct connector ramp from the eastbound LBJ TEXpress Lanes on I-635 to northbound US 75 will be open from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. through Monday July 24 to increase mobility in the area while work is occurring.

In addition, the eastbound LBJ TEXpress Lanes on I-635 from Luna Road to Greenville Avenue will be free while the closures are in place.

Additional closures will occur from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Friday July 28, Monday July 31, Friday Aug. 4 and Monday Aug. 7.

Updated closure information is posted daily on Twitter and Facebook.

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