West Nile Virus detected in Texas

Texas is one of the states that has recently been popular for passing controversial bills, but this time different types of news are coming from the Lone Star State that are of importance to every US citizen.

Tarrant County, a region located in Texas, has just confirmed its first mosquito sample that tested positive for the West Nile Virus this year, as announced by the Tarrant County Public Health on Wednesday.

Although no human cases have been reported as of yet, the positive mosquito sample was collected in Euless, a city in Tarrant County, and is in line with the usual season for the West Nile Virus, which runs from April to mid-November. This year, Tarrant County has already tested 369 mosquito samples.

To put this into perspective, last year, the county reported its first West Nile Virus positive mosquito sample on May 11, according to Dallas Metro News. Tarrant County is no stranger to handling the West Nile Virus as it has had cases of the virus in the past and is well equipped to deal with any potential cases that may arise in the future. While the county has not had any human cases of the virus yet, it is still important to take precautions as mosquito season continues on.

In light of this news, Tarrant County Public Health would like to remind the public on how to protect themselves from mosquito bites. In addition to wearing long sleeves and pants, spraying clothing with repellent, and properly draining any stagnant water, applying insect repellent containing DEET can also help reduce the risk of bites. Moreover, it is generally recommended to avoid being outside during dawn and dusk, times when mosquitoes are most likely to be active. However, it is important to note that other types of mosquitoes that can carry diseases like Zika, dengue, and chikungunya are active during the day, so wearing insect repellent and dressing accordingly when outdoors is essential regardless of the time of day.

While the West Nile Virus can pose potential health risks, it is crucial to remain vigilant and take the necessary steps to prevent mosquito bites. By adhering to the guidelines provided by Tarrant County Public Health, individuals can minimize their risk and continue to revel in the great outdoors this season.