South Meadows Mosquito Sample Tests Positive for West Nile

With a bucket, pipe, net and fan… health officials in Fort Worth hope a device will help protect people from the West Nile Virus.

The Fremont Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/1IfKTGo ) that the Three Rivers Public Health Department is monitoring the situation with tests in Dodge, Washington and Saunders counties. All of these cases have been confirmed in a laboratory. Last year, the state had 43 cases of the virus, seven of which resulted in death.

“Mosquito infections and the risk of human cases will increase thru the end of summer, so it is important to continue and even step up messages reminding everyone to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate breeding sites”, the ODH alert read.

Health officials say the virus can occur at any time of the year, but the bulk of cases are seen from July through September.

Ulibarri said the first positive test for West Nile Virus in 2014 was in early August, as well, and that everyone should review the ways to keep mosquitoes at bay and bites to a minimum.

– Wear loose, light-colored, long clothing to cover the arms and legs when outdoors.

– Remove all sources of standing water around your home and yard to prevent mosquito breeding.

Mosquitoes will be collected following the operation and if any specimens are carrying the virus, the area may be treated again.

Those with West Nile Virus may not have symptoms, but could also have a fever, headache and body aches.