Key Takeaway:
- A mosquito pool in southwest Wichita Falls tested positive for West Nile virus during routine surveillance.
- No human cases have been reported this season, but health officials urge residents to remain cautious.
- Residents can reduce risk by eliminating standing water, using insect repellent, and avoiding mosquito exposure.
A mosquito pool collected in southwest Wichita Falls tested positive for West Nile virus, local health officials said Tuesday, prompting renewed warnings for residents to take precautions against mosquito bites while surveillance and control efforts continue.
Health Officials Confirm Positive Mosquito Pool
The Texas Department of State Health Services laboratory confirmed that mosquitoes collected in Wichita Falls tested positive for West Nile virus, according to a city news release.
The infected mosquito pool was identified through the Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District’s routine mosquito surveillance program. Officials said the mosquitoes were collected from traps in southwest Wichita Falls.
Residents across the city are encouraged to take preventive measures regardless of where they live. Health officials said West Nile virus can spread to humans through infected mosquito bites.
“The mosquito pool testing positive was collected in southwest Wichita Falls, but residents are urged to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites no matter where they are,” the city said in the release.
City Expands Monitoring and Mosquito Control Efforts
The Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District said its Environmental Health Division will continue mosquito-control operations throughout the area.
The program includes testing mosquitoes for West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases, treating standing water, eliminating breeding sites, and spraying for adult mosquitoes when weather conditions permit.
Officials also maintain an online mosquito map that allows residents to view locations of positive mosquito pools and areas where spraying has occurred. The city said the website will be updated as new test results become available.
“Only some mosquito species that are present in Wichita County have the capability of spreading diseases such as West Nile virus,” health officials said. “Most are considered a nuisance.”
Residents Advised to Reduce Exposure Risks
Health officials outlined several steps residents can take to reduce the risk of mosquito bites and infection.
Residents are advised to drain standing water from containers such as pet bowls, rain barrels, toys, and tarps where mosquitoes can breed. Officials also recommend using Environmental Protection Agency-approved insect repellents, wearing long sleeves and pants outdoors, and limiting outdoor activity during peak mosquito hours around dawn and dusk.
The health district emphasized that mosquito precautions should be followed whenever people spend time outdoors.
At this time, no human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Wichita Falls or Wichita County this season, according to public health officials.
“Even so, if you experience flu-like symptoms following a mosquito bite, please contact your healthcare provider,” the health district said.
West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in the United States. While many infected people show no symptoms, some may develop fever, headache, body aches, or more severe neurological complications.
Local health officials said surveillance and prevention efforts remain ongoing as mosquito activity continues during the warmer months.
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