The gist
Fort Bend County confirmed the first 2024 human case of West Nile virus in the county after 19 mosquito samples tested positive beginning June 4, Fort Bend County Health and Human Services announced via an Aug. 15 Facebook post.
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease spread by obtaining a bite from an infected carrier, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are no known treatments for West Nile, and many of those infected with the virus do not show symptoms, but those who do can exhibit:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Fever
- Muscle and joint aches
What they’re doing
Seeing an excess of mosquitos following Hurricane Beryl, the county conducted an aerial spray of pesticide Aug. 1 in designated areas with a high presence in Precinct 2, according to a news release.
Additionally, Sugar Land and Missouri City have upped their citywide spraying frequencies from once to twice weekly. Both cities spray on Tuesdays with Sugar Land’s second day on Fridays and Missouri City’s on Thursdays.
Looking back
The county’s first positive mosquito sample was confirmed June 4 in the 77498 ZIP code, near northeast Sugar Land.
Additionally, Sugar Land has also reported two positive samples in the city, including:
- July 2: Elkins Road near Oakland Drive as well as Stone Trail Drive near Greatwood Parkway
- July 12: Homeward Way and Kendall Creek Drive
Residents should remember to protect themselves against mosquito bites, especially during dusk and dawn. According to the post, mosquito-repelling precautions include:
- Dressing in long sleeves and pants
- Draining any standing body of water in flower pots, pet dishes, gutters or other containers
- Using insect repellent approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
