Texas’ first confirmed West Nile case this year in Valley

RAYMONDVILLE — Texas’ first confirmed case of West Nile virus this year is in Willacy County, officials said Tuesday.

Health investigators confirmed a Willacy County resident contracted West Nile fever — a mild form of infection from the mosquito-borne virus — in May.

No other cases have been reported in the state this year, said Carrie Williams, a spokeswoman for the Texas Department of State Health Services. She said the department couldn’t release specifics on the case, citing medical privacy laws.

Seven other Texas counties have reported West Nile virus in birds, mosquitoes or horses this year, but the Willacy County case is the only human one so far, officials said.

Last year, 121 cases of West Nile fever were reported in Texas.

In addition, 233 cases of West Nile neuroinvasive disease, a more serious form of infection that can lead to swelling in the brain or spinal cord, were reported in 2006.

Cameron and Hidalgo counties each had a couple of human cases in 2006, according to DSHS statistics. No data was available for Starr or Willacy counties.

An occasional case of West Nile virus in humans is not unusual in this region, said Dr. Brian Smith, regional director for DSHS Region 11, which includes the Valley.

“We expect to see one every once in awhile,” Smith said.

The virus can easily flourish in South Texas because of its abundant mosquito population and high temperatures, which encourage the virus’ growth, said Laura Robinson, zoonosis-control veterinarian for DSHS Region 11. Humans can only contract West Nile virus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

“In summer, we have all the optimal conditions,” Robinson said. “That’s why people need to take precautions.”

West Nile, frequently found in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, first appeared in Texas in 2002, according to DSHS. More than 230 Texas counties have reported human or animal cases since 2002, Williams said.

Many people who are infected with West Nile never have symptoms, Robinson said.

About 20 percent of people infected will develop mild symptoms like fever, headaches, rash, swollen lymph glands and body aches, according to the state health department.

Only about 1 in 150 people infected with the virus will become seriously ill with encephalitis or meningitis, experts say. Symptoms of severe illness include high fever, stiff neck, disorientation, tremors, seizures and muscle weakness.

To avoid West Nile infection, protect yourself from mosquitoes, Robinson advised.

Stagnant water, which pools in abandoned tires, ditches and flower pots, is a haven for mosquitoes, she said. To keep mosquitoes away, dump out standing water, she said.

“That’s important, especially after the rain we’ve had,” Robinson said.

Also, be sure to apply insect repellent containing DEET when you’re outside and avoid being outdoors at dusk and dawn, she said.

____

Melissa McEver covers health and environment issues for Valley Freedom Newspapers. She is based in Harlingen and you can reach her at (956) 430-6252. For this and more local stories, visit www.themonitor.com