BRAZOS CO. MOSQUITOES TEST POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS

  

The Brazos County Health District reports mosquito samples recently collected have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).

The positive sample was taken from a trap in the 77803 zip code of Bryan, but health district officials advise residents to treat all mosquitoes as if they are carrying the virus. 

WNV can be transmitted to humans through mosquito bites, but often mosquitoes become carriers after biting an infected bird. 

Symptoms can include headache, fever, body aches, joint pain and fatigue.  About one in 150 people infected can develop more severe symptoms impacting the brain and spinal cord.  In rare occasions, death can occur. 

Currently, there is no medication or vaccine to treat or prevent infection.

Brazos County residents are encouraged to follow the “four D’s” to reduce exposure to mosquitoes:

• DEET all day, every day: Whenever outside, use insect repellents with the active ingredient DEET or other EPA-registered repellents and always follow label instructions.
• Dress: Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing outside.
• Drain: Drain or treat all standing water around the home or workplace where mosquitoes could lay eggs.
• All Day long: Limit time spent outdoors, as mosquitoes are active at any time of day.

This is Brazos County’s first case of WNV in mosquitoes since 2021.