Lubbock confirms first human death from West Nile Virus this year, increase in cases

Mateo Rosiles, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

The City of Lubbock Health Department on Tuesday confirmed the first human death related to West Nile Virus this year in the community, along with an uptick in confirmed symptomatic cases.

According to a news release from the city, Lubbock's first mosquito batch to test positive for West Nile virus was collected on June 24, 2024 and the city is seeing an increase in symptomatic cases. Officials did not release additional details about the person who died or their case.

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Over the past five years, 506 cases of West Nile Virus have been reported, with Texas having reported 163 cases in 2023.

According to the release, the health department advises area residents to be proactive in preventing the spread of the virus by wearing mosquito repellant, ridding their properties and residences of standing water, and limiting time spend outside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.

Mosquitoes continue to threaten public health and pose a risk for diseases. On top of the recent rains, Lubbock is expected to have more warm weather in the coming weeks, which will increase mosquito activity.

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How is West Nile Virus transmitted?

According to the Centers for Disease Control, West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the United States. It is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Cases of WNV occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through fall.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the United States. It is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Cases of WNV occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through fall.

According to the health department, West Nile virus is generally transmitted through the bite of a Culex pipiens mosquito, commonly called a house mosquito, which has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird.

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Common symptoms include:

  • Fever.

  • Nausea.

  • Headaches.

  • Muscule aches.

Symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, with four out of five people being asymptomatic.

According to the health department, in rare cases, severe illness—including meningitis or encephalitis—or even death can occur. People older than 50 and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk for severe illness from West Nile virus.

For more information on West Nile virus, visit the CDC website at: http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Lubbock confirms first death from West Nile Virus, increase in cases

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