West Nile virus found in Lubbock County mosquito samples, officials said

LUBBOCK, Texas — The City of Lubbock confirmed West Nile virus was present in mosquito samples collected within the county, a press release stated on Wednesday morning.

In response, the city said vector control teams will increase spraying. The public was encouraged to take precautions to reduce mosquito bites.

Lubbock Public Health recommended the following precautions:

• Use EPA-registered insect repellents.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.
• Use air conditioning or ensure window and door screens are intact to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
• Avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity (dawn and dusk).
• Eliminate standing water around your home, including in flower pots, buckets, birdbaths, and other containers where mosquitoes can breed.

The city said an annual mosquito surveillance program places traps across the community by control teams and research partners. The samples are then sent off for testing at Texas Tech University.

“West Nile Virus is primarily a disease of birds, but humans can become infected when bitten by mosquitoes that have fed on infected birds,” a press release stated. “The virus is not spread from person to person.”

Officials said most people infected with the virus will not experience symptoms. However, some experience symptoms of fever, headache, muscle and joint aches, nausea and fatigue.

“While most individuals recover without medical treatment, in rare cases, WNV can cause serious central nervous system complications such as neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, or paralysis,” officials said. “People over the age of 50 and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk for severe illness.”

There is no specific vaccine for West Nile Virus. Those experiencing symptoms who think they may be infected are urged to contact their healthcare provider.

The City of Lubbock urged the community to support surveillance efforts. Click here to report biting adult mosquitoes. Click here to report a suspected mosquito breeding site.