Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus in Abilene

  • Published
ABILENE, Texas --  Mosquitoes trapped on the north side of Abilene have tested positive for West Nile virus. The mosquitoes were collected Aug. 1, and are the first to test positive since 2008. The Texas Department of State Health Services Zoonosis Laboratory in Austin notified the City's Environmental Health Division of the positive test result.

Similarly, 7th Aerospace Medicine Public Health Flight conducted mosquito trapping in July 2012 on Dyess Air Force Base with negative test results for West Nile Virus.

"This test shows that the West Nile virus is circulating in our area," said Glenn Bailey, Environmental Health Manager. "It's important to take precautions by using mosquito repellent and wearing protective clothing during peak mosquito hours, from dusk to dawn."

The most effective repellents contain DEET, Picardin or Oil of lemon eucalyptus.

Bailey also suggests limiting outdoor activities during dusk and dawn when many mosquitoes are most active. It is also important to eliminate or drain any water that stands for more than three to four days.

As part of the ongoing monitoring for WNV, Environmental Health routinely collects mosquitoes from several locations around the city. The mosquitoes are identified and tested for WNV. A spraying regimen in the area around the trapping site has been scheduled to eliminate as many mosquitoes as possible.

West Nile virus is most often spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. The risk is very low. Even in areas where the virus is circulating, very few mosquitoes are infected with the virus. If a mosquito is infected, less than one percent of people who get bitten and become infected will get severely ill. The chances you will become severely ill from any one mosquito bite are extremely small. However, the disease can potentially lead to a serious illness, especially for elderly, which in some cases can lead to chronic disability and death.

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