AMARILLO, TEXAS -- A record number of West Nile Virus cases have been reported in the state of Texas. In Amarillo, we have four.
So how does that number compare to previous years?
It's nothing new here in the Panhandle, protecting yourself against mosquitoes. Currently, Texas is seeing a record number of West Nile Virus cases. In Amarillo, four total cases have been reported, three in Randall County and one in Potter County.
"Last year 2011, we had six cases total and the two years prior to that we had three cases each. So right now, we're on par for a fairly average year but that could change," said Matt Richardson, Department of Public Health Director.
In fact, speaking to the City of Amarillo, they haven't had to larvicide just yet. Meaning, there isn't a large population of adult mosquitoes, which is good news for our area. But there are things you can do to prevent mosquitoes from breeding, by getting rid of standing water.
"Standing water is always a risk factor for adult mosquitoes populations and so as usual we would suggest to people that if they have standing water in their yards around their home to go ahead and empty that and maintain that standing water around their homes," said Richardson.
An interesting fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 80-percent of the total population contracts the West Nile Virus without showing symptoms. It's those rare cases you have to worry about, especially the elderly and very young.
Richardson states,"One out of 150 people however can get very seriously ill. It can start with flu-like symptoms, but progress to more serious neurological symptoms. If you have problems disorientation, vision problems, high fever, vomiting, those symptoms they need to visit their doctor immediately."
The Department of Public Health stresses that prevention is key. You can do that by remembering the four D'.
1) Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
2) Dress in long sleeves and long pants when you are outside.
3) Stay indoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
4) Drain standing water where mosquitoes breed. Common breeding sites include old tires, flowerpots and clogged rain gutters.
