Stay safe from mosquito-borne disease by preventing bites
With West Nile virus present in Texas, mosquito bites escalate beyond an itchy annoyance to a potentially deadly threat.
In response to the virus’s continued presence throughout the state and U.S., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts advise residents to be mindful of areas with reported cases in humans, birds, horses and mosquitoes.
Tracking data is available on the Texas Department of State Health Services, DSHS, website.
“Staying informed about local mosquito activity and taking preventive measures can help keep you and your family safe from the potential dangers of West Nile virus,” said Sonja Swiger, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension entomologist and professor in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Entomology.
Why is West Nile virus a concern?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental U.S.
West Nile cases have been reported in the 48 contiguous U.S. states. Last year, more than 1,400 cases were reported in 43 states.
What are the symptoms of West Nile virus?
Most people infected with West Nile virus do not experience symptoms. However, about one out of five infected people experience flu-like symptoms, and about one out of 150 infected people develop a serious and potentially fatal illness from the virus.
Symptoms of West Nile virus disease in humans include:
- High fever.
- Skin rash.
- Fatigue.
- Headache.
- Neck stiffness.
- Disorientation.
- Muscle weakness.
- Convulsions, numbness, paralysis and coma — in extreme cases.
Mild symptoms of West Nile virus disease typically last a few weeks, but fatigue, muscle weakness and joint pain can linger for months.
The Culex quinquefasciatus, or Southern house mosquito, can transmit West Nile virus. Some simple precautions around the home can reduce the risk of their bite. (Courtney Sacco/Texas A&M AgriLife)
How does West Nile virus spread?
Swiger said West Nile virus is circulated in the environment between birds and mosquitoes in the Culex genus.
Infected mosquitoes can spread the virus to humans, horses and some birds, leading to a range of disease symptoms and adverse health effects. The virus cannot spread from person to person or between animals, except in rare cases of direct bodily fluid transmission, such as blood transfusions.
Vaccines are available to prevent illness in horses, but the only protection for humans is to prevent mosquito bites.
How to protect yourself and your family
Swiger recommends people stay vigilant of their surroundings to reduce the risk of transmission.
While mosquito populations generally boom following heavy rainfall, those that carry West Nile virus reach higher populations during dry conditions. Swiger said pooled water becomes stagnant and an ideal environment for virus carriers to lay their eggs thus increasing their population.
She recommends removing water from any items near households, such as flowerpots, buckets and wheelbarrows. You should also drain or cover backyard pools that are not in use as a precaution.
Culex mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus feed at dusk and throughout the night, with peak activity from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., Swiger said. She recommends limiting your time outside during those hours and watching for mosquitoes as you leave and enter your home. While this mosquito is active outdoors at night, it will come inside the home in search of a blood meal.
Light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and full-length pants also help protect against mosquito bites, along with repellents like DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535 or 2-undecanone, which are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and approved by the CDC to protect against biting mosquitoes.
“The number of West Nile virus cases varies from year to year, but it’s something we always want people to stay mindful of,” Swiger said. “Taking preventive steps to reduce the risk of bites is the best way to protect yourself and others.”
