West Nile Virus Detected
in Mosquitoes in Galveston

07/26/04
Published in Gulf Coast E-news - 07/28/04
Published in Galveston Daily News - 07/29/04
Published Texas City Sun - 07/29/04

La Marque - On July 26, 2004, the Galveston County Mosquito Control District reported that mosquitoes collected in Galveston tested positive for West Nile Virus. Thus far, in 2004 there are no confirmed West Nile Virus infections in Galveston County birds or horses. Kurt Koopmann, Public Information Officer for the Galveston County Health District reports that there have been no confirmed human illnesses in Galveston County due to West Nile Virus infection.

John Marshall, Director of the County Mosquito Control District, states, “Based on this finding, the Mosquito Control District will increase its spraying and testing of mosquitoes in Galveston.”

Koopmann urges people to remember the four D’s to reduce the chance of becoming infected:

• Dusk to Dawn – Stay indoors from dusk to dawn when those 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 repellant that contains DEET. Read and follow label instructions. Spray both exposed skin and clothing with repellant.
• 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.

Koopmann 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.” In addition, “Horse owners should consult their veterinarian about vaccinating their horses.” A WNV vaccine for humans has not been developed.

In addition to mosquito surveillance, dead bird testing implemented in May will continue as a way to detect the presence of the virus in all areas of the county. The types of birds to be tested will be dead blue jays, hawks, and cardinals. For more information residents may call the Galveston County Health District at 409-938-2345.

West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes that were probably 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. Common symptoms of human infection include fever, headache, sore throat, body aches and fatigue, occasionally with skin rash and swollen lymph glands.

In 2003, mosquitoes testing positive for the virus were found on the Bolivar peninsula, and six horses were diagnosed with WNV infection. On a positive note, there was only one human case of WNV infection 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,” says Mark Guidry, M.D., MPH, Galveston County Health Authority. “Less 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 4D’s of prevention.”

More information on West Nile Virus can be found at www.texaswestnile.org.

For More Information Contact:
Kurt Koopmann
Public Information Officer
Galveston County Health District
(409) 938-2211
kkoopman@gchd.org