The Texas Department of State Health Services laboratory has confirmed that a pool of mosquitoes from Wichita Falls has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). County officials say it’s their first case this year. Since 2000, 490 human cases and 37 deaths of West Nile have been reported statewide.
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Nine Idaho counties in Idaho have reported West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes during routine surveillance which began in mid-June.
While West Nile virus can infect people of all ages, those over 50 are at higher risk for severe symptoms.
Less than one percent of infected people will develop serious illness such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain and surrounding tissues). “As mosquitoes in Pueblo tested positive for West Nile virus earlier in July, it is very important every individual take precaution to avoid the West Nile virus illness”, she said.
Drain standing water in your yard and neighborhood: Mosquitoes can develop in any water stagnant for more than three days. The traps, called Gravid traps, attract pregnant female mosquitoes to a false breeding environment. “This is a good warning for all of us to take protective measures, including wearing insect repellent and reducing mosquito habitat around our homes”.
Health officials said the public can utilize the 5 “D ” s as an easy way to remember how to prevent mosquito bites.
Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
Mosquito control officials said that as a result of increased West Nile virus activity, ground fogging will intensify around parks and other areas of Sacramento County where affected mosquitoes are found.
Install or fix screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
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“Of those people who are bit by mosquitoes, only 20 percent of those people will experience flu-like symptoms, and even fewer of them will be hospitalized for those symptoms”, Cwalina said.
