BAYTOWN, Texas – The City of Baytown says a positive human case of West Nile Virus has been confirmed in a resident of the city.
The city says they were notified of the positive case by Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services (HCPHES).
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While the person is not being identified, the city says they are taking action to prevent any additional cases from occurring.
“A positive case allows public health teams to focus mosquito control efforts in targeted areas. In response, the City’s Health Department is increasing mitigation efforts and reminding residents to remain vigilant in protecting themselves and their families,” the city said.
How you can protect yourself?
Humans can contract the virus from mosquito bites, and mosquitoes often contract the virus from biting infected birds. Symptoms of West Nile include neck stiffness, vision problems, memory loss, and even seizures. The virus can cause serious illness and can even be fatal in humans, and there are also no vaccines or medications to treat the virus.
People with milder forms of West Nile typically recover from the virus on their own, although symptoms can last for weeks. 80 percent of people who contract West Nile have no symptoms and recover without medical intervention.
Here are things you can do to protect yourself:
- Use insect repellent containing DEET.
- Eliminate standing water in your yard.
- Change water in birdbaths and pet bowls regularly.
- Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors.
- Limit outdoor activity during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
Residents are encouraged to report mosquito breeding areas by calling 281-420-5384 or visitwww.baytown.org/766.