MEDIA ADVISORY: (Thursday, August 9, 2012)
[Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins Declaring Official State of Emergency]

[Dallas, TX] –[Judge Clay Jenkins has declared a Public Health Emergency in Dallas County due to the West Nile Virus epidemic. In his capacity as the Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (OHSEM), Judge Jenkins instructed the department to file a Local Disaster Declaration with the state. A resource request will be made to other regional jurisdictions to provide assistance in the county’s efforts to stem the spread of the virus.]

Judge Jenkins said “This declaration will expand our avenues for assistance in our ongoing battle with West Nile Virus. We are in constant communication with our state and regional partners. We will continue to make data and research driven decisions in seeking to supplement the outstanding work of Dallas County’s director of Health and Human Services (DCHHS) Zachary Thompson. The work of Commissioner David Lakey and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has been exceptional. While we are busy doing everything we can to keep residents well informed and as protected as possible, we need your help.”

We urge the public to do their part against the virus by following the 4-D’s:

• DEET – use insect repellents that contain DEET, or any other EPA approved insect repellent
• DRESS – Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing outside during dusk and dawn hours.
• DRAIN – Remove all areas of standing water.  Change water in wading pools, pet dishes and birdbaths several times a week.
• DUSK/DAWN – Protect yourself during dusk and dawn hours

For additional information on the West Nile Virus and the current Newsletter from DCHHS go to: http://www.dallascounty.org/department/hhs/home.html

Contact Information:
Zachary Thompson, Director DCHHS
214.819.2101
zachary.thompson@dallascounty.org

Maria Arita, PIO
214.653.7150
Maria.arita@dallascounty.org