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West Nile Virus Spreads In West Texas, Officials On Alert
West Nile Virus Spreads In West Texas, Officials On Alert 8/17/12
fbolton@cbs7.com
CBS 7 News Reporter
August 17, 2012
Andrews, TX – As West Nile reports rise across west Texas, Andrews’ city officials are taking extra measures to stop the virus from spreading. Today Medical Center Hospital received their 4th case of the West Nile Virus from Andrews.
Andrews’ city officials stated that the weather conditions in the small town create perfect conditions for mosquitoes to grow.
"The high humid conditions we're seeing, just sweltering heat conditions that we don't typically see in west Texas…we’re feeling in Andrews. We're having storms … that with sprinkles and rains that create conditions ideal for mosquitoes and mosquito larva,” stated Andrews City Manager Glen Hackler.
Andrews’ city officials aren't taking the outbreak lightly. They stated that they are trying to stop the mosquitoes in their tracks.
"We're being a lot more aggressive with our mosquito fogging. We're spraying all the public areas… large parks, areas where the public congregate. We’re spraying those multiple times every week,” said Hackler.
Hackler stated that the city plans on for mosquitoes in neighborhoods, parks and even parts of the county. He said that they would be spraying from 6 to 10 pm every day; which is about $20,000 to pay for.
While cities in Texas, like Andrews, are taking aggressive measures at preventing the spread of the virus; many medical officials are not on high alert about the possibility of serious implications from the disease. Medical officials at Medical Center Hospital stated that those likely to get the virus are young children and the elderly.
Doctor Lawrence Voesack with Medical Center Hospital stated that general symptoms of West Nile Virus are not severe.
"It would be very similar to what you would have with the flu. You can have body aches. You can have fever. You can have diarrhea and upset stomach, " said Dr. Voesack with Medical Center Hospital.
Voesack stated that there is no cure for the West Nile Virus. He stated that medical officials could only treat the symptoms, until the body combats the virus itself. Officials stated that using insect repellent and not having standing water outside can help prevent getting bitten and the production of the mosquitoes.