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'Abnormally high levels of West Nile' | Montgomery County reports first human case of virus in 2024

Harris County also reported a huge increase in West Nile-positive mosquitoes with 235 positive samples so far this year. It reported a total of 50 in 2023.

HOUSTON — On Tuesday, Montgomery County health officials reported "abnormally high levels" of West Nile virus and announced their first human case of 2024. Once confirmed by the state, it will be Texas' first human case of 2024.

It comes as Harris County also continues to detect high levels of West Nile in mosquitoes across the area.

"The fact they're picking up more positive mosquitoes is a cause for concern," infectious disease expert Dr. Peter Hotez said.

Harris County health officials have reported 235 positive West Nile mosquito samples so far this year -- there were only 50 such samples in 2023.

"We should get prepared for the possibility we will see West Nile virus cases as we head later into the summer," Hotez said.

Montgomery County said its first human case this year is a woman in her 50s living in the 77304 ZIP code.

"The concern is as we head later into the summer, this could be a bad West Nile virus year," Hotez said.

So what does a bad year look like? Texas worst outbreak happened in 2012 with nearly 1,900 cases and 89 deaths.

"You want to do everything you can to avoid getting West Nile," Hotez said.

A majority of folks never even know they have it, but some do get sick. Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, nausea and vomiting. Severe headaches and confusion are signs of severe West Nile virus.

Harris County began evening spray operations in late May.

"They know how to do this really well," Hotez said.

Houston's extreme heat coupled with recent rains, Hotez said, will fuel even more mosquitoes and more than West Nile in the coming months.

"I suspect this is going to be one of a number of mosquito-transmitted viruses we see this summer," Hotez said.

Health officials recommend wearing protective clothing when outdoors especially in the early morning and late evening and using mosquito repellent with Deet on areas of skin that do remain exposed.

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