Galveston resident diagnosed with county's 1st human case of West Nile virus in 2018 ...
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Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance. They carry diseases like West Nile virus and Zika.
See Houstonians' tips for fighting off the flying pests --->Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance. They carry diseases like West Nile virus and Zika.
See Houstonians' tips for fighting of f the flying pests ---> Galveston resident diagnosed with county's 1st human case of West Nile virus in 2018 Back to GalleryA young woman has been diagnosed with the first human case of West Nile Virus in Galveston County in 2018, officials said Tuesday.
The patient, who is in her 20s and lives on Galveston island, was initially diagnosed with West Nile fever in late June after she exhibited symptoms that included chills, a headache, rash, loss of appetite, vomiting, muscle weakness, and vertigo, according to spokesman for the Galveston County Health District. The patient, whose name is being withheld due to patient confidentiality, has received treatment and recovered. The spokeswoman had no i nformation on where the woman was initially treated.
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"Whether it's West Nile, Zika, chikungunya or other diseases, you need to protect yourself from mosquito bites," health district CEO Kathy Barroso said in a written statement. "We encourage you to use insect repellent when outdoors and to do your part to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds by emptying all standing water around your home or business."
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The health district is typi cally notified after a patient tests positive for West Nile fever at a clinic or hospital. The agency will then conduct its own investigation to confirm the positive test before reporting it to the Department of State Health Services.
The district has notified Galveston County Mosquito Control of the confirmed case of mosquito-borne illness so that the agency may factor that into its surveillance and spraying efforts, if needed.
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Two other cases of West Nile fever were reported in Dallas and Austin as well. The most recent instances of human West Nile Virus in Galveston County were six confirmed cases in 2016.
Most people infected with West Nile Virus do not have symptoms. About one in five people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms including headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Most people who come down with West Nile Virus recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.
About one out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, ill ness like encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues). Those 60 years or older are at the greatest risk for severe disease, as are people with certain medical conditions including cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and organ transplant recipients.
The Galveston County Health District encourages people to remember "the 3-D's" to prevent mosquito bites:
* Defend â€" wear EPA-approved insect repellent with DEET in it;
* Dress â€" dress in long sleeves and pants when outdoors, and;
* Drain â€" drain standing water around homes and businesses so that mosquitoes don't have a place to breed.
Nick Powell covers Galveston County for the Chronicle. Follow him on Twitter and send him tips at nick.powell@ chron.com
Source: Google News US Health | Netizen 24 United States
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