First West Nile mosquito found in Harris County

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Harris County, Texas discovered its first positive test for West Nile in a mosquito (Photo: AP)

Harris County, Texas discovered its first positive test for West Nile in a mosquito according to Harris County Public Health on Wednesday.

This mosquito was found in the 77070 zip code area, north of Jersey Village, according to ABC13.

On discovering this, the Harris county's Mosquito and Vector Control Division (MVCD) started treatment in the area where the disease mosquito was found to minimize the risk of human infection.

"We are fortunate to have one of the best mosquitos and vector control departments in the country protecting Houston/Harris County residents," said executive director of Harris County Public Health Dr. Umair Shah. "For more than 50 years, MVCD has fought mosquito borne diseases. However, we can all play a part in preventing diseases transmitted by mosquitoes by taking preventative measures."

Last week, Montgomey County reported its first West Nile mosquito case trapped near the Panther Creek area in The Woodlands. Later officials started treatment in the Panther Creek area in the Woodlands, reported Khou.

On June 10, Illinois Department of Public Health officials confirmed the first West Nile mosquitoes in the state, reported by KWQC.

the best way to protect themselves against West Nile virus is to prevent mosquito bites (Photo: iStock)

Mosquitoes can be found throughout the year, yet they are more active from June to October, said the Harris County Public Health. Among 56 types of mosquitoes found in the area, only some transmit diseases such as West Nile Virus, Chikungunya, Dengue and Zika.

The West Nile virus is transmitted through a Culex pipiens mosquito's bite. This kind of mosquito is usually called a house mosquito. It is considered to pick up the virus by feeding on an infected bird, Fox2New reported.

Most people with the virus have no symptoms of illness, but some may become ill three to 15 days after being biten by an infected mosquito.

Common symptoms of West Nile Virus include a high fever, confusion, muscle weakness and a severe headache. More serious symptoms include neurological illnesses, such as meningitis and encephalitis.

People are warned that the best way to protect themselves against West Nile virus and other mosquito-transmitted diseases, including Eastern Equine Encephalitis, is to prevent mosquito bites.

Mosquitoes which can transmit West Nile virus may breed near residence places in storm drains, shallow ditches, retention ponds and unused pools.

In the summer, there are some ways to protect yourself from mosquito-transmitted diseases.(Photo: KWQC)

In the summer, as you enjoy the outdooes, there are some ways to protect yourself and your family from mosquito-transmitted diseases.

Personal Protection

• You can use an insect repellent with active ingredient DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone.
• You should not use insect repellents on younger than 2 months old babies.
• You should avoid products with oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol on younger than 3 years old children.
• You should try to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

At Home

• You should try to remove containers which can hold water such as tires, flowerpots and toys.
• You should alter water in birdbaths and pet water bowls every 3 to 5 days.
• Another way to do is to keep the rain gutters free of debris.
• You should ensure screens are in good condition.
• You should not “feed” the storm drains.

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