First West Nile virus cases of season confirmed

Disease reported in Montgomery, Galveston counties

The first confirmed human cases of West Nile virus of the season have been reported in Galveston and Montgomery counties, officials in each county say.

The Galveston patient, who is a woman in her 20s, 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 information on where the woman was initially treated.

“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.”

Positive samples

The Montgomery County patient is a man in his 40s, who recently moved to the county from Harris County on July 3, according to Montgomery County Public Health District. He has been discharged and is recovering at home.

The Montgomery County Precinct 3 Commissioner’s Office recently reported an increase in mosquito samples testing positive for West Nile. Thirty-eight positive samples have been collected countywide; 28 are in The Woodlands.

According to information provided by MCPHD, West Nile virus can cause serious disease and is most commonly spread by infected mosquitoes. People typically develop symptoms between 3 and 14 days after they are bitten.

“Milder symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back,” MCPHD reported. “These symptoms can last up to several weeks. Serious symptoms that account for less than one percent of those infected can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures or paralysis.

These symptoms can last for several weeks and neurological effects may be permanent.”

Avoid those bites

According to CDC, about 80 percent of people who are infected will not show any symptoms at all, but there is no way to know in advance if the person will develop the illness or not.

Galveston County Health District, MCPHD and Montgomery County Precinct 3 offered the following tips to reduce the chance of mosquito bites:

• Use insect repellants that contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthanediol products and follow their directions for use.

• Many mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn. Authorities suggest staying indoors during these hours, and weather permitting, wearing long sleeves, pants and socks when outdoors.

• Empty any standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, birdbaths and any other items holding water on a regular basis.

• Install or repair screen on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside and use air-conditioning if available.