Friday, July 14, 2023
New Caney, TX – A human case of the West Nile virus has been confirmed in Precinct 4 of Montgomery County. A female in her 60’s, living in zip code 77365, is the first human confirmed to have contracted the virus in Montgomery County during the 2023 season. On this date in 2022, there were 2 reported human cases of the West Nile virus.
“Our team performs treatments that target the disease-carrying mosquitoes throughout the season,” says Commissioner Matt Gray of Precinct 4. “We are doing everything we can to keep our residents safe.”
Residents can check the Precinct 4 mosquito control website at https://www.mctxpct4.org/mosquito-control/ to learn more about the mosquito control efforts taking place.
According to the CDC, the most effective way to avoid West Nile disease is to prevent mosquito bites. Avoid bites by using insect repellants that contain DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus; be sure to follow the directions on the label to achieve maximum effect. Wearing long sleeves, pants, and socks while outdoors can also reduce the risk of being bitten. Disease-carrying mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn; residents should consider staying indoors during these hours.
Eliminating mosquito breeding sites and keeping the exterior of the home in good repair can reduce the number of mosquitoes in and around the home. Empty any standing water from flowerpots, buckets, pool covers, pet bowls, discarded tires, birdbaths and any other items that can hold water. Install or repair window screens to keep mosquitoes outside, repair leaky spigots to reduce excess water, and clean out rain gutters to get rid of unseen breeding sites.
While approximately 80 percent of people who contract the West Nile virus will not show any symptoms, it is possible experience severe illness as a result of infection. Symptoms typically develop between 3 and 14 days after receiving a bite from an infected mosquito.
Milder symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. These symptoms can last up to several weeks. Serious symptoms that account for less than 1% of those infected can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures or paralysis. These symptoms can last for several weeks and neurological effects may be permanent.
The majority of milder West Nile virus illnesses improve on their own. If you develop symptoms of severe West Nile virus illness, such as unusually severe headaches or confusion, seek medical attention immediately.
Questions can be addressed to Commissioner Gray’s office at 936-597-4444 or by emailing contactp4@mctx.org
For more information on the West Nile virus please visit the CDC at http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html