Texas County Detects First West Nile-Positive Mosquito Pool Of 2021; Here's How To Stay Safe

Officials in a county in Texas have confirmed the first detection of West Nile virus (WNV) for this year. What are some of the ways that people can protect themselves against mosquitoes?

Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) has detected the first WNV-positive mosquito pool of the 2021 season, it announced in a statement Wednesday. The agency has so far tested 147 mosquito samples. The one that tested positive was reportedly collected in Crowley.

The timing of the first detection runs similar to last year's, when the first WNV-positive mosquito was detected on April 23. According to the agency, the WNV season often lasts from April until mid-November, during which time localities may undertake prevention methods and necessary mosquito treatments.

Incidentally, it's also "Mosquito and West Nile Virus Awareness Week" in California, KCRA reported. It aims to educate and urge residents to also do their part to prevent potentially disease-causing mosquitoes from multiplying.

However, it's not just people in these states who need to be more aware of what they can do to stop the spread of mosquitoes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), WNV is the "leading cause of mosquito borne diseases" in the continental U.S. This map shows the states that are most affected by WNV.

Spread through mosquito bites typically during mosquito season, WNV often causes no symptoms in most of the people infected, but about one in five will experience symptoms such as a fever, headache, joint pain and a rash.

In about one in 150 people, it may cause a severe illness that affects the nervous system, the CDC noted. Apart from the common symptoms mentioned earlier, those with a severe illness may also experience more serious symptoms such as tremors, convulsions, paralysis or even meningitis and encephalitis.

A severe illness can happen to anyone of any age, the agency said, noting that there is so far no vaccine or medication for it.

So what can people do to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites? One of the important measures is to use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents, the CDC said. It's important to use them according to the instructions and to reapply as needed.

"When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women," the CDC said.

Since mosquito season begins in the summer, those who will also use sunscreen with the insect repellent should apply the sunscreen first before the insect repellent, the agency said. Adults should also assist children when applying insect repellent to ensure that it won't be applied on their hands, eyes, wounds, mouths or any part of the skin that's irritated.

It is also wise for both adults and children to wear clothing that covers their arms and legs. When taking younger children out, covering the baby carrier with a mosquito net may also help prevent mosquito bites.

At home, using screens would help prevent mosquitoes from getting inside. People should also make sure that there are no places where mosquitoes can breed. As TCPH noted, mosquitoes need water to breed, so there should be no standing water in their surroundings.

Moreover, they should pay attention not only to things like containers and buckets, but also to other objects that can hold water, such as tires and toys, the CDC said. To keep mosquitoes from using these objects as their breeding ground, people should dump out any standing water in them and turn the items to keep water from accumulating.