Mosquito samples in Texas county test positive for West Nile virus, health officials say

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Mosquito samples collected in a Texas county tested positive for West Nile virus, health officials said this week, officially marking the first positive samples to be confirmed this year.

Officials with the Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) collected mosquito traps in the city of Richardson, specifically in the 75080 zip code. Lab tests later confirmed the samples collected were positive for West Nile virus, according to a Tuesday DCHHS news release.

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The area where the positive tests were confirmed will be sprayed to prevent the spread of the virus, according to The Dallas Morning News, which noted Dallas County officials set out traps in 47 locations year-round.

“Mosquito season is here and we want the residents of Dallas County to know to expect more positive traps this season and to, therefore, remember the 4 Ds.” Philip Huang, the DCHHS director, said in a statement. As for the "4 Ds," Huang was referring to “DEET” (insect repellents that contain DEET), “Dress” (long, loose and light-colored clothing when outside), “Drain” (drain any standing water where these insects could lay eggs) and “All day long” (limiting time outdoors all day long).

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West Nile virus typically spreads through infected mosquitoes when they bite humans and animals.

The virus, which was first reported in the U.S. in 1999, can result in a fever or headache, though most people infected do not experience symptoms. That said, about 1 in 150 people who are infected with West Nile virus can develop a serious illness  — such as inflammation of the spinal cord or brain — the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says.