First human case of West Nile virus this year reported in Harris County resident
Texas health officials reported the season’s first human case of West Nile virus in a resident of Harris County on Tuesday.
The resident was diagnosed with West Nile virus neuroinvasive disease.
In the last five years, there have been 976 West Nile cases, including both West Nile fever and West Nile neuroinvasive disease, according to a statement from the Texas Department of State Health Services. In those five years, there were 106 deaths attributed to West Nile.
“West Nile and other mosquito-borne illnesses are a fact of life in Texas in the warmer months, and all Texans should take precautions against mosquito bites to stay safe and healthy,” said Dr. Jennifer Shuford, DSHS commissioner. Shuford recommended eliminating standing water near homes to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
West Nile virus spreads through the bite of infected mosquitos, but the majority of people infected — about 80% — don’t experience any symptoms. About 20% will develop West Nile fever, and less than 1% will become sick with West Nile neuroinvasive disease, which DSHS says is a more serious neurological illness that can cause tremors, convulsions, disorientation, paralysis and even death.
Texas health officials recommend removing standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs and reproduce. Officials also recommend wearing long-sleeved, loose-fitting shirts and pants, as well as socks, during times when mosquitoes are most active. Officials also recommended mosquito repellants with DEET or picaridin to prevent bites. These repellants also protect against other mosquito-borne viruses like dengue, chikungunya and Zika.
