West Nile claims 2nd life in Travis

TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) - Another person is dead after contracting the West Nile Virus in Travis County. It's the second death due to the illness in the county so far this year.

Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department says there are now 48 confirmed human cases.

The victim's name was not released but he was older than age 50, which fits the profile for those most at risk of contracting the mosquito-borne disease.

“It is always difficult to lose a member of our community,” said Carlos Rivera, director-Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department. “We’ve experienced the most active West Nile season in our country’s history. It’s also important to remember that most people who become infected with West Nile Virus show no symptoms.

Numbers out earlier this week from the Centers for Disease Control show this could be the worst year on record for the West Nile Virus since it was detected in the United States in 1999.

Nearly 1,600 infections have been reported, and 66 deaths--up 40 percent in just one week.

Every state except Alaska and Hawaii has seen outbreaks, and more than 70 percent of the cases come from six states.

The hardest hit is Texas, with nearly half of the infections.

Considering the time of the year, many parents are saying they even added mosquito repellent to their back to school lists.

"We have the Off, we have the DEET, we have the--what's the other brand?-- Deep Woods. So yes, we're ready to go!" says mom Kim Wise.

The year's first death from West Nile in Travis County occurred July 31. So far, more than 30 people in Texas died from the disease this year.

• Mapping the outbreak
• Texas Department of State Health Services statistics

Officials have cited the four Ds as reminders of how to protect yourself against West Nile:

Dusk and Dawn: Stay indoors during dusk and dawn. That’s the time when mosquitoes likely to carry the infection are most active.

Dress: Wear pants and long sleeves when you are outside, especially in mosquito-infested areas.

DEET: Apply insect repellent that contains DEET. Read and follow label instructions. Spray both exposed skin and clothing with repellent.

Drain: Get rid of standing water in your yard and neighborhood. Old tires, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters leaky pipes and faucets, birdbaths and wading pools can be breeding sites for mosquitos.