Brownwood mosquitos: Do " People need to know if West Nile has been found in their community." ?
West Nile virus gets early start
By BILL HANNA
STAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER
With the West Nile virus already showing up in Dallas and Houston, Texas health officials are wondering if there could be another major outbreak this summer.
But they aren't sure if the two early cases are anything to be worried about.
"Whether this bodes badly for the state is a crapshoot," said Jim Schuermann, a staff epidemiologist for the Texas Department of Health.
That sentiment was echoed by David Jefferson, a division manager of environmental health for Tarrant County Public Health.
"Is this something to be 'Oh my God' about? I don't think so," Jefferson said. "These two cases could be just anomalies or they could indicate an earlier start to the season. We really can't say anything other than it's piqued our interest."
The season normally starts in June and peaks in August.
West Nile first appeared in Texas in 2002. Humans are infected by mosquitos carrying the virus, but about 80 percent of those bitten never get sick.
Trapping and testing mosquitoes has already begun in the Houston area and will begin next week in Tarrant County.
"We found West Nile in 12 different ZIP codes around the Houston area, which is what we would have expected to find," Schuermann said. "Right now, we're still thinking this is going to be a normal year with 100 to 150 cases or slightly less."
IN THE KNOW
West Nile virus
Human infections in Texas
2002: 202 cases, 12 fatalities
2003: 439 cases, 40 fatalities
2004:119 cases, 8 fatalities
2005: 125 cases, 11 fatalities
How to avoid West Nile virus
Wear loose clothing with long sleeves outdoors.
Drain standing water near homes.
Cover trash cans.
Apply insect repellent that contains DEET.
Stay indoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
SOURCE: Texas Department of Health
Bill Hanna, (817) 390-7698 billhanna@star-telegram.com
source: http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/news/state/14628035.htm
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Note from Steve Harris,
Does Brownwood have a WNV risk map ?
Does this apply to Brownwood people too ? "People need to know if West Nile has been found in their community."
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Wonder what a current (updated) map would show ? Or is there a current map ?
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