City of Lubbock Reports First Case of West Nile Virus in 2019

The City of Lubbock Health Department has confirmed the first case of West Nile Virus in a resident of Lubbock for 2019.

West Nile is a disease of birds, and humans can only be exposed to the virus when they are bitten by a mosquito that's fed on an infected bird.

West Nile can not be spread person-to-person.

Some symptoms of West Nile fever include headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, nausea and fatigue. Those with West Nile fever usually recover on their own.

Symptoms of West Nile encephalitis, a more serious form of the illness, include neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis. Around 80 percent of people infected will not have these symptoms, however.

While there are no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent West Nile, those who have symptoms and suspect an infection should call their healthcare provider.

Here are some steps you should take to avoid mosquito bites:

• Wearing an EPA registered insect repellent
• 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