Residents Encouraged to Take Precautions Against West Nile

LONGVIEW — Two cases of human West Nile virus in Gregg County have been confirmed by state health department officials. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report the two cases are the first two in the county this year, but more could be confirmed in coming days. Health workers at Good Shepherd Medical Center have confirmed treating several patients for illnesses with West Nile-type symptoms and have sent tests to Texas State Health Department labs in Tyler for confirmation. “There have been West Nile tests done; we are looking at several right now. I know the state said they knew of at least six in Gregg County,” according to Cheryl Hebert, director of infection prevention at Good Shepherd Medical Center. Other cases of the West Nile virus have been reported in Van Zandt, Hendrson and Angelina Counties.

According to Environmental Health Supervisor Buck Farrar, “The chance of a normally healthy individual being bitten by an infected mosquito and developing the disease is still extremely small, but the virus is still a serious concern. So we encourage everyone to take some simple steps to help prevent mosquitos around your home.”

Here are some effective ways to avoid a mosquito bite:
• Get rid of any standing water near residence
• Remain indoors during the dusk and dawn hours
• Wear long pants and long sleeves when outside
• Use an effective mosquito repellant according to label directions

More information about West Nile Virus can be found on the City of Longview website, http://www.LongviewTexas.gov or by calling the Environmental Health Department at 903-237-1285.