Tarrant County officials warn of ‘elevated risk’ of West Nile virus this year
Tarrant County health officials are warning residents that the West Nile virus is at record levels in mosquitoes this summer.
“In light of the elevated risk, Tarrant County Public Health is reminding residents to take the proper protective measures to protect themselves against the West Nile virus,” a release said.
“We are continuing to see rapid increases in mosquito infection rates in Tarrant County, which means we have more human risk for West Nile virus,” Tarrant County Public Health Director Vinny Taneja said. “To prevent outbreaks of West Nile, it’s very important that people remember to always use an EPA-approved repellent and wear long sleeves and pants when they go outside.”
Tarrant County plans to implement control measures to reduce the mosquito population, “including increased mosquito surveillance in areas of positive traps and increased ground spraying in areas where spread of West Nile virus is likely,” the release said.
Officials sprayed rural areas of southeast Tarrant County late Wednesday and are scheduled to spray northwest and northeast rural areas of the county late Thursday.
The first positive West Nile case in a human this year was reported on July 21. The elderly man is the first person to die from the virus in the county since September 2018.
West Nile symptoms include headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, nausea and fatigue, according to health officials. People typically recover on their own, although symptoms may last for several weeks.
A list of mosquito repellents endorsed by the FDA and CDC can be found at the EPA website.
More information about the West Nile virus can be found on the county’s West Nile webpage. Recommendations on measures to protect yourself can also be found on the county website.
