Mosquito Samples Test Positive for West Nile Virus in Hutchins, Richardson

Mosquitos in two North Texas cities have tested positive for the West Nile Virus, according to the Dallas County health authority.

Dallas County Health and Human Services issued a bulletin about the positive tests on April 29. According to the bulletin, mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile Virus in Hutchins (75241) and Richardson (75080).

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According to the DCHHS Communicable Diseases West Nile Virus fact page, the disease is a flavivirus historically found in Africa, West Asia, and the Middle East. It can infect humans, birds, mosquitos, horses, and other animals.

Generally, the virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitos are West Nile Virus carriers that become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread West Nile Virus to humans or other animals when they bite.

Most people infected with West Nile Virus will show no symptoms. If they do, symptoms typically develop between 3-14 days after the mosquito bite.

Symptoms of a mild infection include mild flu-like symptoms, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph glands, and a rash on the chest, stomach, and back.

About one in 150 people infected with West Nile Virus will develop severe illness, such as West Nile Encephalitis, West Nile Meningitis, or West Nile Meningoencephalitis. Symptoms of these illnesses include headache and stiff neck, confusion, and high fever.

The symptoms can last several weeks to months, and the neurological effects can be permanent. Unfortunately, West Nile Virus is known to cause death in rare circumstances. Diagnosis of the virus requires a special blood test.