Severe West Nile Virus in Texas, One in Three Chance

Posted by Mosquito Squad

July 31, 2024

As of the time of this writing, officials have announced that three of the nine cases of West Nile virus in Texas in 2024 have resulted in severe illness.

A widow in Parker County recently detailed her husband’s death after contracting West Nile virus from a mosquito bite while doing yard work in June. Record rainfall saw a huge influx of mosquitoes and we too, must remember this could also mean an uptick in mosquito-borne illnesses. The 67-year-old’s death resulted from neuroinvasive West Nile virus – the most serious kind.

The unfortunate news that Texas is experiencing its first cases of West Nile virus of 2024, and so far, one-third have resulted in severe illness. Is the current year’s strain of West Nile more dangerous than those in previous years? What does severe mean when it comes to WNV?

What is an extreme case of West Nile virus?

Most cases of WNV produce mild symptoms, if any at all. And until now, very severe symptoms have been quite rare. Even though 33% of the cases in Texas so far have been that previously rare, neuroinvasive form of WNV, doctors say that it is too early to determine whether this year’s strain will be more serious than ever before.

Severe symptoms of WNV include:

High fever
Severe headache
Stiff neck
Muscle weakness
Disorientation
Tingling, numbness
Loss of vision
Tremors, convulsions
Coma

These symptoms could be a precursor to encephalitis, meningitis, paralysis, and even death. If you begin to feel symptomatic subsequent to a known mosquito bite, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Mild onset of WNV include flulike symptoms:

Fever
Joint and muscle pain
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Swollen lymph nodes

Fort Worth Mosquito Control is Recommended to Allay Potential WNV Infection

Mosquitoes will be at their peak of activity from now through fall, and it is time to consider enlisting help from the professionals at Mosquito Squad of Fort Worth. Our mosquito control offering will help eliminate 80, 85, or even 90% of the mosquito population around your home or business and will remain effective for up to 21 days between treatments. Do not wait until you or a family member begins to feel ill before looking into mosquito control companies in Fort Worth TX.

Search mosquito control near me and call Mosquito Squad.

Mosquito Squad of Fort Worth can help you lower your chances of encountering potentially infected mosquitoes and other pests around your home.

Our exterior pest control services include:

Call Mosquito Squad for a complimentary Fort Woth mosquito control assessment. Get in touch with us by filling out our form online or calling us at (817) 835-8694 for a free quote.