Positive West Nile Test, No Human Cases Reported

The City of Commerce along with the assistance of Texas A&M University-Commerce has been testing mosquitoes for various diseases by trapping them and sending them to the Department of State Health Services.  On August 19, 2015, emergency management officials released information notifying citizens that a positive test was received for the West Nile virus. Although the areas that tested positive on August 19 are now testing negative, the city has received one additional test that has come back with a positive reading for West Nile virus.

Commerce and A&M-Commerce emergency management officials want to reassure our citizens and students that no human reports of West Nile have been reported.  City staff will begin spraying for mosquitoes in the area in which the infected mosquitoes were found and will spray continuously for three days, beginning today, Wednesday, August 26, 2015.  Emergency management officials along with city staff will continue to test for infected mosquitoes in all areas of town.

Emergency management staff strongly suggests that everyone take extra precautionary measures in protecting themselves from mosquitoes.  When outside, wear light-colored clothing, use an insect repellent containing DEET, wear long sleeves and pants.  To aid in eliminating mosquito breeding sites, it is encouraged to do away with any standing water from flower pots, buckets, barrels and other containers.  Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out and always empty children's wading/swimming pools and store on their side after use.

For additional information on West Nile visit www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/disease/arboviral/westnile/information OR www.westnile.info