WICHITA COUNTY ( KFDX/KJTL ) — After finding increased presence of the West Nile Virus in the majority of its mosquito pool testing, the Wichita County Public Health District now reports that there is one confirmed human case of the virus in Wichita County.
The Texas Department of State Health confirmed the virus in the lab results of a Wichita Falls resident. City officials state this is the tenth case in Texas and the first reported case in Wichita County since 2015.
West Nile Virus found in several health districts—but what does it mean for your health? In a statement, officials reported that the resident lived in the 76308 zip code and had recently traveled out of state. They were hospitalized but have since been discharged and are recovering at home.
The Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District has recorded an increased presence of the West Nile Virus in its mosquito pool testing this summer, prompting questions on preventing the illness.
“We will continue to follow our integrated mosquito management principles,” Samantha Blair, environmental administrator for the health district, said. “Citizens are urged to actively protect themselves from mosquitoes by following the four D’s anytime they go outside.”
The ‘four D’s’ of mosquito protection involve four steps to minimize mosquitoes’ chances to bite or breed. They include:
- Dress in long, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and closed-toed shoes to minimize skin exposure to mosquito bites.
- Apply insect repellant that contains DEET to exposed skin to prevent mosquito bites.
- Drain standing or stagnant water from outdoor containers such as tires, flower pots, and rain gutters.
- Remain indoors during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
The city reports that only some mosquito species in Wichita County carry West Nile, while most are considered nuisances.
To request mosquito spraying in your area from the Health District Vector Control unit, you can call (940) 761-7890 .
The Health District will not spray areas in Burkburnett, Iowa Park, Electra, Sheppard Air Force Base, or on private property. For the district to spray, weather conditions must be optimal, such as low wind speeds and the absence of pollinators.
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