East Texas Battles West Nile

TYLER — The current outbreak of West Nile virus is the largest ever through August in the United States — and Texas has the most cases of any state. Both Gregg and Smith Counties have confirmed cases now. KETK reports there are 7 confirmed cases in Gregg County, of which one was a fatality. There’s one case in Henderson County and 3 cases in Van Zandt. Wednesday, it was learned that there are 5 patients in Mother Frances Hospital with confirmed cases, and ETMC has 3 confirmed and 2 pending.

First, the good news: most mosquitoes don’t carry the disease. Only about 1 in 500 may be infected. And 80% of those bitten by an infected mosquito do not get sick. Severe cases, though, lead to a loss of consciousness that is near coma. If you are over 50 you will have a tougher time with the disease, and to date there is no vaccine for West Nile virus.

In another bit of good news, the Northeast Texas Public Health District’s George Roberts (pictured) says eventually, things will ease up. According to Roberts, when nighttime temperatures start to drop into the 50s, the cooler weather will start to control the mosquito population. You can go to http://www.healthyeasttx.org/ for more information on the West Nile virus.