West Nile hits Mainland skeeters

Texas City Sun
Published - 07/30/04
from Staff Reports

The insects were found near League City, the Galveston County Health District announced Thursday. Earlier this week, testing of mosquitoes found on Galveston Island showed the virus present there.

Kurt Koopman, public information officer for the health district, said no cases of West Nile have been reported in horses, birds or humans in the county this year. There is no need to panic, he said.

"Simply be aware that the West Nile virus is in the county as it has been the past several mosquito seasons," he said. "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."

According to the Texas Department of Health, only 1 percent of people bitten by an infected mosquito become severely ill. So far this year, only two West Nile cases in humans have been reported in Texas, including a man in Vidor who died from the infection in June and a North Houston man who contracted the virus last week. He is expected to survive and is now home recovering from a mild fever and rash.

The Texas Department of Health urges residents in mosquito-infested areas to stay indoors from dusk until dawn, mosquitoes' most active time; wear long pants and sleeves while outdoors; apply repellent that contains DEET; and drain standing water, potential mosquito havens, around the home.

read the press release