West Nile Virus was detected in Denton.
(Mirror Daily, United States) – Health officials have discovered the first mosquito pool found positive with West Nile Virus in Denton. They set a trap on June 28th in the area of Good Samaritan Society-Lake Forest Village on Montecito Drive.
It is the first time this year when the virus was detected. According to Ken Banks, Environmental Services city’s director, the virus appeared earlier this year than usual. It means that there are already the ideal temperatures for disease-carrying mosquitoes to start breeding.
Banks underlined that the first WNV-positive mosquito pool is usually seen after the middle of July. But the virus had already emerged in Dallas County three weeks ago, so it is more likely to arrive in Denton earlier this year.
People are strongly recommended to be aware of the risks and to take active measures of precaution to prevent any possible infection. Mosquitoes pick up the virus from birds, and this is how it is transmitted on a large scale increasing the risk of human infection as well.
Based on the statistics, around 20 percent of the people who get bitten by disease-carrying mosquitoes develop West Nile Virus symptoms consisting of headaches and fever. Nevertheless, 1 percent of the infected people develop a serious health condition known as the neuroinvasive disease.
When this happens, the infection attacks the brain and spinal cord damaging the nervous system and in extreme cases, leading to death. Mosquito pools generally form in areas with ponds, creeks, and trees.
But residents are urged to check around their house for any sources of standing water that might become the ideal environment for mosquito breeding.
No current vaccine or treatment can prevent the West Nile Virus, so people need to be aware that they have to protect themselves by using an excellent mosquito repellent, long-sleeved shirts, and pants.
Health officials also advise everyone to make sure that the disease-carrying insects cannot break into their houses. West Nile Virus is a mild illness, but it can be dangerous for children, seniors, pregnant women, and people with weak immune system.
That is why people have to be careful in order to prevent these mosquitoes from biting them. Heavy rain is the best weapon against these insects because it clears the habitat and kills the larva.
Residents who water their outdoor lawns and plants are advised to check that the runoff does not become a place where mosquitoes will thrive because there will be a higher risk of West Nile Virus infection.
Image Source:Amdro