First case of West Nile in Nueces County
Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI - The Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District has received laboratory confirmation of a West Nile Virus infection in a Nueces County resident. The individual resides in zip code 78417 where there has not been a positive case of West Nile Virus identified in mosquitoes. This is the first human case of West Nile Virus identified in Nueces County for 2020.
The patient is a male in his 50s and is currently hospitalized locally. Further information is not being released for privacy and confidentiality reasons.
West Nile Virus is a disease spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Texas has reported 48 cases of West Nile and eight deaths for 2020.
Symptoms of West Nile Virus includes:
Fever
Headache
Tiredness
Body aches
Occasionally a skin rash, sometimes on the trunk of the body
Swollen lymph glands
Illness can be as short as a few days or last several weeks
Residents are advised to protect themselves from mosquito bites by avoiding outdoor activities, especially during dusk and dawn. While outdoors wear FDA approved insect repellant containing DEET and reduce mosquito breeding grounds by disposing items in the yard that can contain standing water such as tires, toys, or water buckets. Lastly, if residents develop any these symptoms following a mosquito bite, seek medical assistance immediately.
As a result of this confirmed case, Vector Services will implement the Mosquito Management Response Plan. The response entails the following:
The spraying of a 1/2-mile radius around the area of the detection for three consecutive nights beginning Wednesday evening, weather permitting.
Police Directed Patrol Officers and Neighborhood Services personnel will be attempting to locate any standing water in the affected neighborhood including examining abandoned properties.
Vector Services will conduct continuing surveillance of mosquito traps in the immediate area for signs of the Culex species of mosquito responsible for West Nile Virus.