Two counties in the Houston area have confirmed cases of West Nile Virus in mosquitoes. According to reports, the first county to have mosquitoes test positive for West Nile Virus was Brazoria County and the newest confirmed case of mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus is Fort Bend County.
As of now, the virus has only been found in mosquitoes; there are no humans that have tested positive for the virus. Two samples taken from mosquitoes in Brazoria County tested positive for West Nile on May 2 and May 9. On May 30 in Fort Bend County, the virus was also found from a sample taken from mosquitoes there. The Texas Department of State Health Services says sample mosquitoes from the areas tested positive for the virus so residents are being urged to take precautions.
County officials in both of the counties where the mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile Virus are taking measures to protect residents by spraying streets and storm drains. Homeowners are also being asked to remove standing water that may be present. Residents are being urged to protect themselves, especially residents who spend a considerable amount of time outdoors.
West Nile virus is a potentially serious illness and experts believe that the virus is a seasonal epidemic that reaches its peak in the summer and early fall seasons. Some of the symptoms of West Nile Virus include but are not limited to: neck stiffness, headache, high fever, tremors, convulsions, vision loss, numbness and paralysis.
Most often, West Nile Virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then potentially spread West Nile Virus to humans and other animals when they bite. The virus is not known to spread through casual contact such as touching or kissing a person with the virus.
Watch the video below to receive additional information about West Nile Virus:
Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile Virus In Houston Area was originally published on news92fm.com
