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HomeLocal / Area NewsSECOND WEST NILE CASE REPORTED IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY

SECOND WEST NILE CASE REPORTED IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY

An 81-year-old south Montgomery County resident has been confirmed to have the West Nile Virus; this is the second case in the county this year. There have been a total of 381 reported cases in Texas this summer.

“Our mild Texas winter and ample spring rains have created the ideal environment for the larger than usual incidents of the West Nile virus,” said Dr. Syed Ibrahim, chief epidemiologist at the Montgomery County Public Health Department. “Sixteen people have died of the virus this summer in Texas, but none of those deaths have occurred in Montgomery County.”

According to Dr. Ibrahim, most people infected with the virus don’t know they have it, and less than one percent develop West Nile neuroinvasive disease, which includes inflammation of the brain, spinal cord or tissue surrounding the brain. People older than 50 and those with compromised immune systems are more likely to develop this form.

To protect themselves, residents need to wear protective clothing (long sleeves and long pants) when outdoors, avoid going outside at dawn and dusk, and make their home unattractive to mosquitoes by emptying containers that may collect rainwater and sprinkler water. Adults should use insect repellant that contains more than 10 percent DEET; children should use insect repellents that contain less than 10 percent DEET, and DEET should not be used at all on babies.

The West Nile Virus is spread through mosquito bites; mosquitoes acquire the virus from birds and pass it on to other birds, animals and people. Symptoms of West Nile in infected people include: flu-like symptoms with moderate to high fever, headache, muscle weakness or joint pain, fatigue and nausea. More severe signs and symptoms can include: possible seizures, paralysis and respiratory symptoms. When symptoms of infection do occur, they usually appear 5-15 days from the time an individual is bitten. Residents should contact their family physician if they think they have been infected.

To help eliminate mosquito-breeding sites and prevent mosquito-borne diseases, residents should do the following:

· Wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts when outdoors, particularly at dawn and dusk.

· Use insect repellent that contains DEET. Children should use insect repellents that contain less than 10 percent DEET. Do not apply DEET on babies. Adults should use insect repellents that contain more than 10 percent DEET.

· Make sure screens on windows and doors are in good condition.

· Keep the storm sewers clean to reduce mosquito breeding.

· Sweep up lawn clippings, leaves and limbs from sidewalks, driveways, curbs and gutters.

· Don’t let lawn water or car-washing water enter the street.

· Pick up litter and other debris from the yard and the street.

· Keep mosquitoes out of the house.

· Keep doors and windows closed.

· Seal cracks and gaps in the house.

· If mosquitoes are in the house, use flying insect spray, following label instructions.

· Empty, remove or dispose of anything in the yard that can hold water: flower pot saucers, cans, toys, litter, rain barrels, plastic sheeting, etc.

· Pet water bowls and birdbaths should be emptied and refilled at least twice a week.

· Keep rain gutters on the house clean and properly draining.

· Repair household water leaks and move air-conditioner drain hoses frequently.

The Montgomery County Hospital District’s Public Health Department is responsible for promoting a healthy, resilient community through health education, disease prevention, clinical services and emergency preparedness activities.

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