Staff Reports
Galveston Daily News 08/28/03

“Based on this finding, the Mosquito Control District will increase it’s spraying and testing of mosquitoes in Port Bolivar,” said John Marshall, director of the County Mosquito Control District.

The infected mosquitoes were collected Aug. 14.

Chuck Chambers, the health district’s chief epidemiologist, reported there have been no confirmed human illnesses due to West Nile virus among county residents in 2003.

No confirmed infections in birds or horses have been reported this year in the county.

Chambers urged people to remember the four Ds to reduce the chance of becoming infected:

• Dusk to dawn — Stay indoors from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes likely to carry the infection are most active.
• Dress — Dress in long pants and long sleeves when you are outside, especially in mosquito-infested areas.
• 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, leaky pipes and faucets, birdbaths and wading pools can be breeding sites for mosquitoes.

Chambers said it is also important to keep mosquitoes out of the house. “If you keep your home open, make sure that door, porch and window screens are in good condition,” he said.

Chambers said horse owners should consult their veterinarian about vaccinating their horses. A vaccine for humans has not been developed.

In addition to mosquito surveillance, the health district will continue testing dead birds to detect the virus.Blue jays, hawks and cardinals will be tested.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes that probably were infected by feeding on birds carrying the virus.

The virus is not contagious from person to person, only from the bite of an infected mosquito.

In 2002, mosquitoes testing positive for the virus were found on the Bolivar Peninsula, and positive blue jays were collected from High Island, Port Bolivar and Texas City.

Seven horses in Galveston County were diagnosed with infections.

Only one human case of infection was reported in Galveston County, and that patient recovered.

“The good news is that even in areas where mosquitoes are more likely to be carrying the virus, it’s very unlikely that a person will become sick from a mosquito bite,” said Dr. Mark Guidry, executive director of the health district. “Fewer than 1 percent of those bitten by infected mosquitoes become severely ill. Our message has not changed. Be aware of West Nile virus and practice the four Ds of prevention.”

West Nile Virus

• Common symptoms: Fever, headache, sore throat, body aches and fatigue, occasionally with skin rash and swollen lymph glands.
• Information: Call the Galveston County Health District at (409) 765-2514.
• Online: www.texaswestnile.org

Read the press release