West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, which feeds on infected birds and then transmits the virus when biting humans, horses, and some other mammals.
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Mosquitoes in Montgomery County have tested positive for West Nile, According to Public Health – Dayton & Montgomery County.
This week, New York City has reported the first case of West Nile, involving a man living in Brooklyn.
This is the first confirmed human case this season and the 16th case statewide.
Although he did not have the exact date of the last death, Mr. Watkins said it has been more than 10 years since any West Nile cases have been confirmed in the county and since anyone has died from the virus.
To prevent infection, cover up outside when you can and wear mosquito repellent containing DEET. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends following the recommendations appearing on the product label when using repellent.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers when outdoors for extended periods of time. Also, eliminate or treat instances of standing water around the yard.
Make sure your house has tight-fitting windows and doors and that all screens are free of holes.
The City of Commerce along with assistance from Texas A&M University-Commerce has been testing mosquitoes for various diseases by trapping them and sending them to the Department of State Health Services.
Turn over plastic wading pools, buckets and wheelbarrows when not in use. They recommend wearing a mosquito repellent that is registered with the EPA. Stagnant pools of water, regardless of their size, can serve as mosquito breeding grounds.
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Health officials want to remind residents to take extra precaution against the mosquito-born illness by avoiding mosquito bites and reducing habitats where mosquitoes live and breed.
