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11 Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile Virus

Spraying To Begin At Dusk

POSTED: Monday, May 15, 2006
UPDATED: 4:48 pm CDT May 15, 2006

Eleven mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus, KPRC Local 2 reported Monday.

The mosquito samples were collected from trapping sites in the following ZIP codes: 77004, 77013, 77016, 77028, 77050, 77077, 77345, 77506, 77536 and 77571.

These are the first locations this season where mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus.

"It certainly does raise a red flag -- whether it's going to materialize to being a more active year or not, I mean, we can't say until the end of the year," said Dr. Rudy Bueno with the Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services Mosquito Control Division.


Video: Residents Worry About Mosquito Exposure

Officials with the Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services Mosquito Control Division will spray the infected areas Sunday through Thursday beginning at dusk.

Ruth McKinney lives a block away from where an infected mosquito was found in 77004.

"I’m very concerned about that and I think they should come out and spray as soon as possible," she said. "We need some help. We need someone to come out and take care of it."

West Nile Virus Information

In severe cases, West Nile virus can develop into encephalitis, inflammation of the brain, or meningitis, inflammation of the membrane surrounding the brain.

However, most people infected with the virus suffer from flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, body aches, a skin rash or swollen lymph glands.

Symptoms usually develop in three to 15 days after being infected.

There is no specific treatment for West Nile encephalitis.

West Nile Virus Symptoms In Humans
  • Flulike illness, with moderate to high fever
  • Headache
  • Muscle weakness or joint pain
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Possible seizures
  • Paralysis
  • Respiratory symptoms

West Nile Virus Symptoms In Animals
  • Loss of appetite
  • Depression
  • Fever
  • Weakness
  • Convulsions

To help eliminate mosquito-breeding sites and prevent mosquito-borne diseases, residents should do the following.
  • Wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts when outdoors, particularly at dawn and dusk.
  • Make sure screens on windows and doors are in good condition.
  • Use mosquito repellent when outdoors. Use repellent that is less than 10 percent DEET on children.
  • Eliminate standing water, old tires, cans and blocked gutters from property.
  • Maintain swimming pools. Empty, invert or cover swimming pools when not in use.
  • Keep birdbaths clean. Change the water at least once a week.
  • To control mosquitoes inside a house, use a flying insect spray.

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