SULPHUR SPRINGS - It is the first confirmed case of a human infected with the West Nile virus in Hopkins County this year. Reports show the victim is from Sulphur Springs.
The latest map released Monday by the Texas Division of Emergency Management now shows Fannin, Hopkins, Hunt, Kaufman, Lamar and Van Zandt as local entities with confirmed cases. While some local health departments have reported more cases, the official count from the state agency Monday listed six in Hunt and seven in Lamar counties, the highest among those listed.
To the west, Dallas and Tarrant County continue to lead the country in cases. With another fatality reported Monday, there have now been more than 20 deaths in North Texas alone from the West Nile virus.
The precautions remain the same; avoid being outdoors during dusk and dawn, wear mosquito repellent containing DEET, wear long sleeves and long pants and drain standing water on your property.