Second Identification of
West Nile Virus in Mosquitoes

07/29/04
Editorial - Published - Galveston Daily News 07/30/04
Published - Galveston Daily News 07/30/04
Published - Texas City Sun 07/30/04
Published - Gulf Coast Enews 07/30/04
Published - The Citizen-online 08/04/04

La Marque - Officials with the Galveston County Health District confirm that West Nile virus has been identified in a second pool of mosquitoes. The most recent identification was found in north Galveston County in the League City area. No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported.

“Residents should not panic. Simply be aware that the West Nile virus is in the county as it has been the past several mosquito seasons,” states Kurt Koopmann, Public Information Officer for the District. One of the first lines of defense against getting the illness, Koopmann says, is using repellant containing DEET. “DEET is an effective repellant that lasts much longer than other repellants.”

While not every mosquito carries the virus, avoiding mosquito bites is key to preventing West Nile illness. Health District officials urge 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 states, “Our message has not changed. Be aware of West Nile virus, but also know that the risk remains very low. It is very unlikely that a person will become sick from a mosquito bite, even in areas where mosquitoes are more likely to be carrying the virus. By following the Four D’s and the precautions they contain people will feel even safer.”

For more Information on West Nile virus citizens can call (409) 938-2345, or visit the West Nile information link at: www.texaswestnile.org.