Lifestyle
Officials Say Texans Should Still Worry About West Nile
Zika has ruled the news lately when it comes to illnesses spread by mosquitos, but health officials warn that West Nile virus should not be forgotten. Even though this year has marked a low season for the virus, it could still pick up momentum easily, especially if people aren’t mindful.
Executive director of the Harris County Public Health Department, Umair Shah, told the Houston Chronicle, “You have heavier seasons and lighter seasons. There is incredible uncertainty around mosquito-borne diseases that we can’t predict. We have to always be ready.”
This year, only 69 cases of West Nile have been found in Texas, which is down from 275 cases last year. Sadly, 16 of those cases ended in death. People often don’t exhibit any symptoms when they catch West Nile, but the virus can lead to a severe neuroinvasive disease, which can lead to death.
Preventing West Nile is similar to the actions one should take to prevent Zika: Wear repellant, long sleeves and pants, and empty any standing water on your property. But there are quite a few differences between how the diseases are spread. Shah explained, “The Culex mosquito that carries the West Nile virus usually is active at night, while the Aedes mosquito, which carries Zika, is typically active during the day. West Nile mosquitoes also like to bite other animals, while mosquitoes that carry Zika exclusively bite humans.”
Remember to stock up on mosquito repellant the next time you’re heading to the store!
