People can protect themselves against WNV

By LYNN MONTGOMERY | East Texas Edition

October 3, 2002 -- With the recent confirmed West Nile Virus (WNV) case in a horse in Wood County, public officials are re-emphasizing the importance of mosquito control for humans.

"WNV is all over East Texas," said Dr. James Wright, regional zoonosis veterinarian with Texas Department of Health. "Don't raise your own mosquitoes, protect yourself."

Prevention measures including wearing dark clothing, applying lotions or sprays that contain DEET, avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk, and drain standing water.

WNV is a disease that is carried by an infected-mosquito that has bitten an infected-bird. The only birds that carry WNV are bluejays, crows, and hawks.

The WNV has already killed two people in Texas and 92 cases have been reported in the state as of Sept. 26.

"People need to be aware a very small percentage who get bitten actually develop encephalitis," Wright said. WNV is an encephalitis.

Wright added that one out of 100 mosquitoes have the virus. If bitten, one out of 100 people get sick with flu-like symptoms.

Wright stressed "Wear long sleeve shirts and pants. Wear insect repellent with DEET if possible."