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Officials Confirm First Human Case Of West Nile

Unidentified Victim Expected To Recover

POSTED: Tuesday, July 27, 2004

UPDATED: 6:17 pm CDT July 27, 2004

HOUSTON -- Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services officials confirmed Monday this year's first human case of the West Nile virus.

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Human West Nile Case Reawakens Worries

Virus Confirmation Reminds Outdoor Workers Of West Nile Worries

The name of the victim was not released, but officials said that he is over 50 years old. He received treatment from a local hospital and is recovering in his northwest Harris County home Monday.

Harris County Mosquito Control Division confirmed the first human case, but said it was minor.

Due to federal health regulations, News2Houston has not been able to find out where the man contracted the virus.

"Because we are pinpointing where this particular case was, we don't want people to have a false sense of security because activity is happening all over the county," epidemiologist Cindy Kilborn said.

Health officials said peak mosquito season is from the end of July to September.

So far, 22 dead birds and 48 mosquito samples in Harris County have tested positive this year for the virus the Culex mosquito carries.

"(The Culex mosquito) likes to get inside. If they are infected when they get inside, all they have to do is feed on a person or an animal," Harris County Mosquito Control Division Director Dr. Ray Parsons said.

The disease is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Health officials recommend reducing mosquito contact by using repellents containing DEET, putting up effective screen doors and windows and removing stagnant water.

Learn More About West Nile

How Can You Protect Yourself From West Nile Virus

Find Out How West Nile Is Transmitted

How Did The West Nile Virus Begin?

Dead Bird Drop-Off Sites

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Previous Stories:

July 1, 2004: Houstonians Prepare For Mosquito Attack
June 11, 2004: 2 Mosquito Samples Test Positive For West Nile
June 3, 2004: County Combats Menacing Mosquito Problem
February 9, 2004: Officials Confirm West Nile In Dead Bird

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Officials Confirm First Human Case Of West Nile

Unidentified Victim Expected To Recover

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