West Nile Virus Confirmed in Lubbock Mosquitoes

Recently, the City of Lubbock confirmed that there are mosquitoes in the Hub City carrying West Nile Virus (WNV).

What is West Nile Virus?

According to the CDC, WNV is most commonly spread through mosquitoes who have recently fed off of infected birds.

Luckily, humans are considered to be "dead end hosts" due to the fact that most of us (I don't want to assume) don't go around biting people and spreading blood from one person to another.

There are some other exceptions, however, such as blood transfusions or organ transplants, but these are rare.

I mean, just look at how adorable it is.

Is West Nile Virus Deadly to humans?

WNV most often causes mild flu-like illnesses. While it does have the ability to become life-threatening, these occurrences are very rare.

Like most viruses, the highest-risk individuals are those who are older and have weaker immune systems. But even then, you may be down for a little bit, and most will fully recover.

Hopkins Medicine says that nearly 1 in every 5 people may develop West Nile fever upon infection.

Symptoms of West Nile Virus/fever

If you feel that you have contracted WNV or West Nile fever, take a look at some common symptoms that this virus causes:

• You guessed it: fever
• Head and body aches
• Skin rashes and/or swollen lymph nodes

In more severe cases:

• Neck stiffness
• Disorientation
• Muscle weakness and paralysis
• Tremors and convulsions

No panicking

It's important to not freak out about this news regarding Lubbock. Yes, you should take proper precautions when outside and when you're vulnerable to mosquito bites, but don't let this influence your actions or your life.

Remember, symptoms will most-likely be mild, like the common flu, but make sure to contact your doctor if you feel things are getting worse.