Texas Leads the U.S. in 2024 West Nile Virus Outbreak

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As of the end of August 2024, Texas has reported 39 cases of West Nile virus (WNV), leading the nation in this year’s outbreak. The Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed two WNV-related deaths, with most cases occurring near Dallas (19) and Houston (27). This places Texas ahead of Nebraska, Nevada, and California in the number of reported cases so far.

In total, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has documented 464 WNV cases in 33 states this year, with the numbers expected to rise through the fall. Last year, the U.S. saw 2,566 confirmed WNV cases, highlighting the variability of this mosquito-borne disease.

While WNV cannot be transmitted from human to human, it spreads primarily through mosquito bites. Less commonly, the virus has been transmitted through blood transfusions, organ transplants, and from mother to baby during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How to Stay Safe:

Wear Long Sleeves and Pants: Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk, so cover up when outdoors.
Apply Insect Repellent: Use EPA-registered repellents for added protection against mosquito bites.
Avoid Peak Mosquito Hours: Stay indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
Dump Standing Water: Remove standing water around your home, as mosquitoes breed in stagnant water.

In response to the rising number of cases, Harris County Public Health’s Mosquito and Vector Control Division conducted aerial spraying in August 2024 to reduce mosquito populations. Additional ground and aerial treatments will continue in high-risk areas to protect public health.

Despite ongoing efforts, there is still no approved vaccine for human use against West Nile virus. While veterinary vaccines are available, human vaccines remain in development. Several candidates have shown promise in early trials, but further research is needed before they reach the market.

For now, prevention remains the best way to protect yourself from WNV. Stay informed and take precautions to reduce your risk of mosquito bites.

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Compton Creek Mosquito Abatement District (the "District") is committed to ensuring that its services are accessible to all members of the public. As part of this commitment, the District strives to provide an accessible website compatible with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1, AA, and commercial screen reading software. Features of the website are created to allow individuals with vision and other impairments to understand and use the website to the same degree as someone without disabilities.

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