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HomeUSA NewsWest Nile virus reappears because mosquitoes in the Houston area test positive

West Nile virus reappears because mosquitoes in the Houston area test positive


A painful and somewhat deadly virus carried by mosquitoes reappeared in the suburbs of Houston. West Nile virus tested positive in a mosquito trapped at a new construction site in Sugar Land west of Houston.

It is just in time for the midsummer of hot, humid and threatening hurricanes.

At the same time, the world is working hard to get rid of the COVID-19 coronavirus that is lurking throughout 2020 and most of 2021.

According to KHOU, the mosquitoes that were caught and tested positive were located in the New Territories subdivision of Morrisons Place. CBS Belongs to Hekou City. So far, among the trapped mosquitoes, at least one mosquito has tested positive for West Nile virus.

On August 29, 2002, Ben Pagac, Jr., an entomologist at the US Army Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine Center in Fort Meade, Maryland, inspected mosquito samples. The center is testing mosquitoes for West Nile virus.
Photograph by STEPHEN JAFFE/AFP via Getty Images

Sugar Land health officials urge residents and visitors to take precautions to reduce the chance of infection, including using insect repellent outdoors and avoiding going outdoors at sunrise and sunset. They also provide advice for people over 50 and people with weakened immune systems.

“Residents should use insect repellent when outdoors and avoid going out at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active,” said Dr. Joe Anzaldua, Medical Director of Sugar Land and Health Authority. “People over 50 and people with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness if they contract the virus. If people show symptoms that cause them to worry, they should contact their healthcare provider immediately.”

Eliminating stagnant water in your home is another way to prevent mosquitoes from turning your home into their home.

Most people who have previously been infected with West Nile may not experience any recurring symptoms, including high fever, stiff neck, severe headache, tremor, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, coma, disorientation, and paralysis. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

According to the Texas Department of Health Services, in order to fight the West Nile, four “Ds” need to be followed:

  • Use DEET insect repellent Pacaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil
  • Wear long sleeves, long pants, and cover your head when going out
  • Drain the stagnant water that mosquitoes breed
  • Dusk and dawn-stay indoors during these times when mosquitoes are active

Will the West Nile virus be fatal? The CDC pointed out that although only 20% of people show symptoms, people die from the virus every year.

Chris Fred Gill, director of the Harris County Public Health Mosquito and Vector Control Department, said: “This is really just a reminder of the importance of personal protection and prevention of these mosquito populations.”

As for Sugar Land, Texas, city officials said they will start spraying mosquitoes twice a week.



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