Dozens of mosquito nests have tested positive for West Nile virus in Travis County, and the rare mosquito-borne disease is now an outbreak.
AUSTIN, Texas — Mosquito-borne illnesses are on the rise and health officials are working to raise awareness and stop the spread.
West Nile virus infection and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) are currently prevalent across the country.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), EEE is rare and is considered the most serious mosquito-borne infectious disease.
Two cases of EEE in veterinarians were recently confirmed in Houston, and while none have been reported in Central Texas, Austin Public Health (APH) officials say there’s always the possibility of it spreading.
“Especially in Central Texas, you need to be vigilant all year round and always protect yourself,” said APH Environmental Health Officer Nicole Ramsey. “When we get a few days of warm weather, they hatch and go out in search of blood.”
APH reported that 64 mosquito dens in Travis County have tested positive for West Nile virus and two people have been infected. Ramsey said they have done their part by visiting affected areas to inform them of the positive cases and educate people on prevention measures.
Larvicides are also used to prevent mosquitoes from reaching full adulthood.
“Mosquito prevention will help combat all of these diseases,” Ramsey said. “The fewer mosquitoes there are, the fewer diseases that will be spread.”
In Travis County, APH has reported four human cases of dengue fever. In Texas, there have been 34 cases, including two deaths. Ramsey said there is no vaccine or treatment for the mosquito-borne disease, so prevention is the best course of action.
According to the CDC, symptoms of EEE can be similar to those associated with West Nile fever. These symptoms can include fever, chills, body aches, and joint pain. However, EEE infection rarely causes symptoms. If symptoms do appear, they may take 4 to 10 days to appear.
The CDC also notes that these symptoms rarely develop into neurological problems, but if they do, people with severe problems can die within 10 days of the onset of symptoms.
There is no at-home test for EEE, so if you think you may have the disease, it’s best to see your doctor.