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Houston zip codes test positive for West Nile Virus

Posted at 2:53 PM, Jun 12, 2018
and last updated 2018-06-12 15:53:43-04

West Nile Virus tests on mosquitoes in the Houston area come back positive.  According to the Houston Chronicle say the Harris County Health and Human Services Department and the Montgomery County Mosquito Abatement team has confirmed that multiple zip codes were tested and so far three of them were positive for the virus.

Harris County has begun spraying in the area.  So far the positive tests were found in 77338, 77087, and 77026 zip codes.  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, symptoms do not show up in most people after contracting the virus.  However, about 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people with this type of West Nile virus disease recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.

About 1 in 150 people who are infected develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord).  

People over 60 years of age are at greater risk and those who have certain medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, kidney disease and hypertension.  

The CDC recommends removing all standing water and using a mosquito repellent if going outdoors.