ETex Health Officials Watch for West Nile Virus
Federal health officials say more serious cases of West Nile Virus have been reported in the United States this year than any year since 2004. The Lufkin News reports through the end of July, 241 human cases have been reported in 22 states, including four deaths.
Most of these cases have been in Texas, especially in the Dallas area. Some were in Angelina County.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says a mild winter, early spring and a very hot summer have caused an explosion of the mosquitoes that spread the virus to people.
The Angelina County and Cities Health District says six suspected cases of West Nile have been found in Angelina County. These are believed to be the first cases of West Nile in East Texas, and all are expected to recover.
Like other mosquito borne illnesses, West Nile is spread from birds to mosquitoes to people.
The only way to avoid it is to avoid mosquito bites any way you can, and take away mosquito breeding places on your property. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in anything that holds water outdoors.