With the recent rains, the City of Lubbock Health Department (COLHD) is urging people to take steps to prevent mosquito-borne infections. 

Although the number of mosquito-borne disease cases in this area have been low we are still in peak mosquito season.  Mosquito-borne diseases are those spread by the bite of an infected mosquito and include Zika and West Nile Virus.

The Texas Tech Institute of Environmental and Human Health has identified mosquitoes that are infected with West Nile Virus.  There have been no reported human cases, but we typically see human cases a few weeks after positive mosquitoes are found.  City of Lubbock Vector Control works to keep mosquito populations low by treating mosquito breeding sites and fogging to reduce the number of adult mosquitoes.  In addition to Vector Control there are steps individuals can take to reduce mosquito exposure. These include:

  • Wearing an EPA registered insect repellant
  • Covering up with long-sleeved shirts and long pants
  • Keeping mosquitoes out of living areas by using air conditioning or intact window screens
  • Limiting outdoor activities during peak mosquito times 
  • Dumping standing water around your home

Symptoms of West Nile virus include headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, nausea and fatigue. People with West Nile fever typically recover on their own.  There is a more serious form of the illness, West Nile Neuroinvasive disease, which may have additional symptoms of neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis. Up to 80 percent of people infected with the virus will have no symptoms.

There are no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent West Nile virus infection. People over 50 years old and those with other health issues are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill. If people have symptoms and suspect West Nile virus infection, they should contact their healthcare provider.

For more information on mosquito-borne diseases visit the CDC website at: cdc.gov/Features/stopmosquitoes  

(Press release from City of Lubbock)