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SUGAR LAND, TEXAS – Representatives from Sugar Land and Fort Bend County advise residents to take precautions after detecting the presence of West Nile virus in sugar lands.
The Fort Bend County Health and Social Services Department has informed Dr. Joe Anzaldua, Medical Director and City Health Authority, about the patient, officials said in a press release on Friday.
As a precautionary measure, the city plans to increase mosquito spraying to twice a week and will continue to work closely with the Texas State Department's health department to trap and test mosquitoes in order to to detect the presence of West Nile virus.
The traps complement the operations of larvicides and mosquitoes in the city. No mosquito has been tested positive for West Nile virus since the week of August 10, officials said.
Humans can contract West Nile virus as a result of a mosquito bite. Infected mosquitoes catch the virus by feeding on infected birds and can cause serious illness or death.
"Residents must use an insect repellent every time they are outdoors and avoid going out at dusk and dawn," said Anzaldua. "People over 50 and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to become seriously ill if infected with the virus, and if people have symptoms that are of concern to them, they should contact their health care provider immediately. health."
There are no drugs to treat or vaccines to prevent infection with West Nile virus.
Symptoms may include:
- a rigid neck
- sight problems
- body tremors
- mental confusion
- memory loss and convulsions
The mildest form of the disease is West Nile fever.
Symptoms may include:
- fever
- headache
- muscle and bone pain
- nausea and sleepiness.
People with the benign form of the disease usually recover on their own, although the symptoms may last for several weeks. Up to 80% of people infected with West Nile virus will have no symptoms and will recover on their own. Anyone with questions or concerns should contact their doctor.
The Texas Ministry of Health recommends using the "four Ds" as a precautionary measure:
- Use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil.
- Dress in long sleeves and long pants when you are outside.
- Stay indoors at dusk and at dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Drain stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.
Common breeding sites include old tires, flowerpots and clogged gutters. It is also important for residents to eliminate stagnant water around their homes, an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. Learn more by using the city's interactive tool at http://webtools.sugarlandtx.gov/sl/epub/fightthebite/index.html. For more information, visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/fightthebite.
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Image: Shutterstock
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