FORT WORTH (WBAP/KLIF)- With warmer weather, all of the rain that North Texas has had recently and more predicted, there’s emerging concerns about West Nile Virus.
“It is very likely that with all the rain and standing water that mosquito season is going to be very serious this year and some of those mosquitoes may carry the West Nile Virus and spread it to the community,” said Zavadsky.
Zavadsky with MedStar said it’s important for people to drain standing water to prevent any mosquito breeding, wear repellent with DEET in it and dress appropriately. Also Zavadsky encourages people to be extra cautious during mosquito peek hours, dawn and dusk.
According to the World Health Organization, the West Nile virus can cause a fatal neurological disease in humans. However, approximately 80% of people who are infected will not show any symptoms until later on.
“One in 5 people who contract the WNV will get symptoms like fever or rashes, others won’t have symptoms at all until it progresses to a point where they would need acute medical attention,” said Zavadsky.
West Nile virus is mainly transmitted to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes. The virus can cause also cause severe disease and death in horses. Vaccines are available for use in horses but not yet available for people.
WNV is commonly found in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America and West Asia. WNV is maintained in nature in a cycle involving transmission between birds and mosquitoes.
