A resident has been confirmed as the first human case of West Nile Fever this year in Brazos County.
Earlier this semester, 15 pools of mosquitoes tested positive for the virus, including some in locations such as the university golf course. According to a Brazos County Health Department press release, the entire county is positive for West Nile Virus.
“About two to three weeks after mosquitoes start showing signs of the virus, we start to see human cases,” said Mark Johnsen, environmental health specialist at the Brazos County Health Department.
Johnsen said the disease is not contagious from human-to-human contact and those inflicted with it are “dead-end hosts.”
“You can only get the virus from infected mosquitoes, not from humans,” Johnsen said.
Gabriel Hamer, clinical assistant professor of entomology, said mosquito control teams in the county have been notified and are on alert. Hamer said once a human case has been identified, the protocol is to engage in focal mosquito control in affected areas.
Hamer said Brazos County’s mosquito presence is not as severe as other areas in Texas.
“Counties such as Harris County in Houston has seen its worst outbreak of infected mosquitoes since 2002,” Hamer said. “To this date, 1,285 mosquito pools tested positive for West Nile Virus.”
The onset of cooler weather has been steadily diminishing infected mosquitos. Despite this, Hamer said people should always take precautions.
“In order to properly take precaution against the virus, one is advised to follow the ‘four Ds’ — drain water puddles, avoid going outside during dusk and dawn, dress in long sleeves and pants when going outdoors and wear insect repellent containing DEET,” Hamer said.
The infected resident is reported to be safely recovering at home and is said to be in stable condition, Johnsen said.