Tarrant County Public Health Confirms First Positive Human Case of West Nile Virus

August 4, 2022 - (Tarrant County) - Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) confirms the first human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) for the 2022 season. The first positive mosquito pool was reported in May 2022.

The individual involved resides in northwest Tarrant County. The person presented the mild form of the disease which is often referred to as WNV fever. Symptoms include headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, nausea, and fatigue. People typically recover on their own, although symptoms may last for several weeks. It was reported that the individual had outdoor activities within the incubation period. There have been no WNV-positive mosquito pools in the associated area. Additional details are not being released to protect the identity of the patient.

To date, TCPH has found a total of 7 WNV-positive mosquito pools within Tarrant County. Monitoring for the virus in mosquito pools is ongoing throughout the season (April through mid-November). Local cities and Tarrant County for unincorporated areas may perform mosquito treatment as needed.

TCPH reminds residents to take measures to safeguard against the WNV. Residents should dump standing water on their property, use repellent, and whenever possible, dress in long pants and long sleeves.

MORE ABOUT MOSQUITOES:

• Mosquitoes need water to breed. They don’t lay their eggs in the air or on the ground, so dump ALL standing water.
• Infected mosquitoes transmit WNV to people after feeding on infected birds.
• Birds don’t transmit WNV to people. Mosquitos do.
• Larvicides are products used to eliminate mosquitoes before they become adults.
• Apply larvicides directly to water sources that hold mosquito larvae.

For more information about West Nile Virus visit the Be Mosquito Free webpage.

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