On Tuesday, North Texas confirmed its first mosquito testing positive for West Nile virus this season, prompting authorities to issue warnings urging public caution.
Tarrant County Public Health announced that the initial positive mosquito sample for West Nile virus was detected in Arlington, marking the first instance in the 2024 season.
In response, Arlington authorities announced targeted ground spraying near Douglas Court and North Cooper Street on May 14 and May 15, scheduled from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning, aiming to swiftly reduce the known virus-infected adult mosquito population.
To date, 910 mosquito samples have undergone testing at the North Texas Regional Laboratory. The last reported case of an infected mosquito was on April 26, 2023.
Although West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, Tarrant County health officials reassured the public that no human cases have been reported thus far.
The health department highlighted that the West Nile virus season typically spans from April through mid-November.
Symptoms of West Nile virus infection include fever, body aches, rash, nausea, vomiting, and headache. Severe illness may manifest with high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, and more. Recovery from severe illness might entail weeks or months, and some effects on the central nervous system could be permanent. About one out of 10 individuals with severe illness affecting the central nervous system may succumb to the virus.
To mitigate the risk of mosquito bites, individuals are advised to dress in long sleeves and pants when outdoors, apply insect repellent containing DEET, and eliminate standing water in yards and neighborhoods, as mosquitoes breed in stagnant water.
While it’s been recommended to avoid outdoor activities during Dusk and Dawn, known as the 4 Ds, to evade mosquito bites, it’s essential to remain vigilant throughout the day, as other mosquito species carrying Zika, dengue, and chikungunya are active during daylight hours. Applying insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus is recommended for protection against insect bites.
Additional facts about mosquitoes include their need for water to breed, their ability to transmit West Nile virus after feeding on infected birds, and the application of larvicides to water sources to prevent mosquito larvae from developing into adults.
