The Wichita Falls Public Information Office announced today the city's first confirmed case of West Nile Virus in a human. The press release states:

Wichita Falls, Texas- The Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District has received confirmation of a human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Wichita Falls. A 48 year old male has been confirmed to be the year’s first positive human case of WNV in the city.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), persons over 50 years of age have the highest risk for severe disease. However, only about 1 in 150 people infected with the West Nile Virus will develop severe illness. Most people who are infected with the virus will not have any type of illness or may experience mild fever, headache and body aches before fully recovering. Please contact your healthcare provider if you are experiencing any of the symptoms described. It is also important to note that West Nile Virus is not casually transmitted from person to person.

Additionally, the Environmental Health Division has confirmed that two mosquito samples in Wichita Falls have tested positive for the West Nile Virus. To reduce the risk of illness, the Environmental Health Division will continue with mosquito control measures. This includes testing mosquitoes for West Nile Virus, spraying for adult mosquitoes, and treating standing water to eliminate breeding areas.

The Health District also reminds citizens that the best way to avoid mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus is to practice the Four D’s:

1. DUSK and DAWN are the times of day you should try to stay indoors, because mosquitoes are most active.
2. DRESS in long sleeves and pants when you are outside.
3. DEET is an ingredient to look for in insect repellent. Follow label instructions, and always wear repellent when outdoors.
4. DRAIN standing water in your yard and neighborhood where mosquitoes can breed. This includes old tires, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, etc.

For questions about West Nile Virus call 940-761-7848, 940-761-6808 or visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm. To request spraying for adult mosquitoes please call 940-761-7890.

Update*** The Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District has received confirmation of a second human case of West Nile Virus in Wichita Falls. A 19 year old male has been confirmed to be the year’s latest positive human case in the city.

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