Texas Gets Its First Human Case of West Nile Virus in 2021

Texas has reported its first human case of West Nile virus this year, on Tuesday.

A Dallas County resident was confirmed to have the virus this week after a pool of mosquitoes tested positive on July 15^th, according to the Chron.com.

West Nile virus is transmitted through mosquito bites from an infected mosquito. While most people do not have a reaction to the virus, 20 percent of those infected develop symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle, and joint ache, nausea, and fatigue.

Last year, there were 122 confirmed cases of the virus in Texas alone, with 24 reported deaths.

The Texas Department of State Health Services urges people to take precautions against the virus such as:

–          Wearing long sleeves and pants.

–          Applying insect repellent containing DEET.

–          Removing any standing water.