First Case of Neuroinvasive West Nile Virus Confirmed in Galveston County
The Galveston County Health District announced on Friday that it has confirmed its first case of neuroinvasive West Nile virus in a human. The patient, who was hospitalized, is showing signs of improvement.
Following this confirmation, mosquito control teams in the patient’s neighborhood have been instructed to start spraying and trapping efforts to reduce the risk of transmission.
In addition to the human case, three chickens in the county have also tested positive for West Nile virus, as reported by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
To prevent contracting the virus, health officials recommend taking precautions to avoid mosquito bites. The Galveston County Health District offers the following tips:
- Use insect repellent containing DEET
- Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors
- Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn
- Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed
Residents can contact Galveston County Mosquito Control for information about mosquitoes in their area. They can be reached via email at mosquito.control@co.galveston.tx.us or by phone at 1-800-842-5622.