Houston Health Department Confirms First Human Case of West Nile Virus

According to a Houston Department of Health and Human Services press release, the city has confirmed its first human case of the West Nile virus in Houston, Texas, this year.

A 52-year-old woman, a citizen of northeast Houston, developed symptoms associated with the West Nile virus. She was admitted into a local hospital in late June. Although she was hospitalized nearly a month ago, her case of West Nile virus was not confirmed until recently.

The Houston Department of Health and Human Services confirmed a total of 55 human cases and fourth deaths of the West Nile virus last year in the city of Houston and Harris County. There were 28 cases and no deaths in 2005. In 2004 there were 41 cases and two deaths from the virus.

Due to the first human case being confirmed in Houston, the city and the Health Department are now encouraging and advising all Houston residents to take precautions against mosquitoes and the West Nile virus.

Although the West Nile virus can lead to mild symptoms such as a fever, headaches, muscle aches, and rashes, it can also lead to serious and severe problems such as encephalitis, inflammation of the brain, or meningitis, inflammation of the membrane around the brain. More severe symptoms can include high fevers, migraine-like headaches, stiff neck, come, disorientation, muscle tremors or spasms, and paralysis. Often symptoms won't show up for three to 14 days after being bitten.

Those who are at the highest risk of developing severe infections include young children, the elderly, and those who have received recent organ transplants.

The Health Department is advising Houston residents to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites, including: