Cass County finds West Nile Virus in mosquito pool

The city of Fort Worth announced they’d spray for mosquitoes beginning Friday after a fourth mosquito tested positive for the virus. West Nile virus can cause complications for patients with pre-existing conditions. Each week they test thousands of mosquitoes for West Nile and Eastern Equine Encenphalitis, or EEE.

If the virus is detected in the samples, additional adult mosquito treatments may be necessary, according to district officials.

“Finding mosquitoes with West Nile virus this time of year is not unusual”, said Patsy Kelso, state epidemiologist for infectious disease.

West Nile virus (WNV) season has arrived, and residents and visitors in Prairie North Health Region (PNHR) are reminded to take precautions and protect themselves against mosquito bites. Residents can pick up free mosquito fish from the district at 23187 Connecticut St., Hayward. In all, 16 human cases were reported last year in Tarrant County, nine of which were of the severe variety.

Mosquito surveillance was increased in response to the two fatal human cases of EEE that occurred in 2012.

The most effective way to prevent mosquito bites is to use DEET insect repellents. Others show symptoms similar to the flu, with fever, nausea, head aches and a rash on the chest, stomach or back. People should keep windows and doors closed and remove standing water around the exteriors of their homes.