Half of U.S. West Nile Cases Reported in Texas
Travis County has confirmed 23 cases of West Nile and one death related to the virus. Photo courtesy Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services DepartmentThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning of an alarming increase in the number of West Nile cases. So far, more than 1,100 cases have been reported through the middle of August. About half of those are in Texas.
Travis County reports 23 confirmed cases of West Nile and one death related to the virus. Chief Medical Officer Phil Huang says they are closely monitoring the situation.
“We really advocate the ‘four Ds’,” Huang says. “Between dawn and dusk, try to avoid being out when mosquitos are most active. Use DEET or another EPA-approved insect repellant, drain any standing water, and dress with long sleeves and long pants.”
The CDC has sent two teams to Texas and is spending $2.5 million to help state health officials fight the outbreak.
