West Nile precautions recommended despite heading into winter season

 

First human case of West Nile virus confirmed in Travis County

The Austin Public Health (APH) Disease Surveillance Unit confirms the area’s first human case of West Nile virus this year. The individual who tested positive for the virus is not a traveler, and therefore, we can assume that it was contracted locally. Routine testing performed by APH identified the first positive mosquito pool in July. A total of six positive mosquito pools were identified consisting of zip codes 78759, 78754, 78723, 78721, 78704, and 78744.  Mosquitoes are present in Central Texas year-round, but the population is largest and most active from May through November. During this period, the APH Environmental Vector Control Unit monitors the mosquito population.  “Warm, wet weather is prolonging the mosquito season and we should take steps to prevent getting mosquito bites when around standing water,” said Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes.  Most people infected with West Nile virus do not experience symptoms. About 20 percent will develop a fever and mild, flu-like symptoms including headache, body aches, a skin rash and swollen lymph gland. People over 60 years of age are at greater risk of developing serious disease, as are those with medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease. Organ transplant recipients are also at risk for more severe forms of disease.     West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in the United States. West Nile virus is not spread through coughing, sneezing, or touching other people or live animals. Know the dangers and fight the bite with the Four Ds:      Dusk through dawn: Although different species of mosquitoes are active at different times of day, the Culex species that spreads West Nile Virus are most active between dusk and dawn. Make sure any open windows are screened to prevent mosquitoes from entering the room.   Dress: Wear light-colored, loose-fitting pants and long sleeves when spending time outside. Mosquito-resistant clothing is also available    DEET: Apply insect repellent that contains DEET. Read and follow label instructions. Spray both exposed skin and clothing with repellent.    Drain: Get rid of standing water in your yard and neighborhood. Old tires, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, birdbaths and wading pools can be breeding sites for mosquitoes. For more information on West Nile virus, visit www.AustinTexas.gov/WestNile