For Immediate Use.
For more information, contact:
Alicia Williams, Public Health Manager
Office: 936-523-5025
Second Human West Nile Virus (WNV) Reported in Montgomery County for 2018
Date: 8/14/18
Conroe, Texas – A male in his 60’s, who resides in South Montgomery County, has been confirmed to be positive for West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease. He remains hospitalized at this time. This is the second case in the county for 2018. On this date in 2017, there was one reported case of WNV.
Montgomery County Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack’s Mosquito Abatement Department is taking the necessary measures to ensure all affected areas in South County are treated as quickly as possible. Treatment includes spraying streets, rights of way, storm sewers and ditches, among other mosquito-breeding areas.
“Our office is working diligently to minimize the risk of contracting a mosquito-borne illness,” Commissioner Noack said. “The Mosquito Abatement Team is coordinating with the Montgomery County Public Health District on this treatment effort.”
The Mosquito Abatement Team proactively tests mosquitoes throughout the South County area for West Nile virus and sprays in areas where positive tests are confirmed.
Residents are encouraged to check the treatment activity map at Precinct3.org/mosquito-abatement/ or for more information on the mosquito abatement program call (281) 364-4203.
Public Health continues to ask homeowners to do their part to help fight West Nile Virus.
According to CDC the most effective way to avoid West Nile Virus disease and Zika is to prevent mosquito bites. Avoid bites by using insect repellants that contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products and follow their directions for use. Weather permitting, wear long sleeves, pants and socks when outdoors. Many mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn. It is good to consider staying indoors during these hours.
It is important to mosquito-proof your home. Empty any standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, birdbaths and any other items holding water on a regular basis. Install or repair screen on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside and use your air-conditioning if you have it.
West Nile virus infection can cause serious disease and is most commonly spread by infected mosquitoes. People typically develop symptoms between 3 and 14 days after they are bitten. According to CDC approximately 80 percent of people who are infected will not show any symptoms at all, but there is no way to know in advance if you will develop the illness or not.
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.
If you develop symptoms of severe WNV illness such as unusually severe headaches or confusion seek medical attention immediately. The majority of milder WNV illnesses improve on their own.
For more information on WNV please visit the CDC at
http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html
Montgomery County Public Health District’s mission is promoting a healthy, resilient community through health education, disease prevention, clinical services, and emergency preparedness. For more information about the Montgomery County Public Health District please go to www.mcphd-tx.org .
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