Fort Bend County resident diagnosed with county’s first West Nile virus case in 2021

HOUSTON – The Texas Department of State Health Services has confirmed a probable case of West Nile virus encephalitis in a resident of Fort Bend County, Fort Bend County Heath and Human Services announced Friday.

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The resident is recovering from the infection. This is the first case identified in a Fort Bend County resident this year, according to Fort Bend County Health and Human Services, which investigated the case.

West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquito season begins in late spring and summer and continues through fall. Fortunately, most people who are infected do not feel sick. Only 1 in 5 people infected develop a fever or other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. About 1 in 150 people who are infected develop serious, sometimes fatal illness.

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Although there is no vaccine to prevent West Nile virus, there are steps you can take to protect yourself against mosquito-borne illnesses. This is advice, shared by Fort Bend County Heath and Human Services.

Tips for reducing mosquitoes around your home

Mosquitoes need water to reproduce. The following can help reduce mosquitoes:

• If possible, throw away containers with water, such as ceramic pots, used tires, and tire swings.

• You can also punch holes in the bottom of containers like those used for plants or recycling.

• Clean clogged gutters.

• Turn over items that can trap water when not in use, such as wading pools and wheelbarrows.

• Change the water in birdbaths weekly.

• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools. When swimming pools are not in use, use pool covers and drain if necessary.

• Make sure doors and windows have tight fitting screens, no holes and stay closed

Tips for avoiding mosquito bites outdoors

• Minimize outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

• Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Clothing should be tightly woven and loose.

• Use a mosquito net if you are camping or sleeping outside.

• Use Insect repellents registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with any of the active ingredients below. Use mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil, IR3535 or 2-undecanone, and apply as directed when required to be outdoors . When used according to directions, EPA registered insect repellents have been shown to be safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

• When using DEET, use the lowest effective concentration for time spent outdoors (for example, 6 percent lasts about two hours and 20 percent for four hours) and wash the treated skin when you return home. inside. Do not apply under clothing, on wounds or irritated skin, on the hands of children or infants under two months of age.