Tarrant County Public Health is advising residents to be very careful as West Nile virus cases increase throughout the county.
Public Health Director Vinny Taneja said WNV precautions are particularly important during the current population pandemic.
“It is prudent to focus on protection against COVID-19, and although mosquitoes do not carry the COVID-19 virus, we do not want to minimize the dangers of the West Nile at this time,” said Taneja.
Taneja said the symptoms are similar, and since it can be difficult to tell the difference, she encouraged residents to see a doctor if they experience fever, cough, or sore throat.
“We want to remind everyone to protect themselves against mosquitoes by wearing long sleeves and pants and using repellents when they are outside,” Taneja said.
According to Tarrant County Vector Control Supervisor Nina Dacko, most of the positive mosquito results have been in Northeast Tarrant County.
“In 2018 and 2019, the number of positive mosquito pool samples was very low, which is cause for concern this summer,” said Dacko.
Dacko continued, “Environmental factors are ripe for the virus to return and recent rains also allow more mosquitoes to thrive in hot climates like the one Texas is experiencing right now.”
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