Take Precautions as Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile

As a precautionary measure, 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. Emergency management officials have been notified that two of the samples have tested positive for West Nile virus. West Nile is typically spread to humans and animals via infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Humans can't get infected by touching or kissing a person with the virus. Most people infected with the West Nile Virus have no signs or symptoms. However, about 20% of people develop a mild infection called West Nile fever. Common signs and symptoms of West Nile fever include fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, back pain, and occasionally skin rash, swollen lymph glands and eye pain.

Commerce and A&M-Commerce emergency management officials want to reassure our citizens and students that no human cases of West Nile have been reported. City staff will begin spraying for mosquitoes in the areas in which the infected mosquitoes were found and will spray continuously for three days, beginning Wednesday, August 12, 2015. In addition, emergency management officials along with city staff, will continue to test for infected mosquitoes in all areas of town.

Residents of Commerce should always take precautionary measures to protect themselves from mosquitoes. When outside, wear light-colored clothing, use insect repellent containing DEET, and 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 them on their sides after use.

For additional information on West Nile, visit:

www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/disease/arboviral/westnile/information