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MCPHD Confirms First Death Of West Nile Virus For 2021

By: Misti Willingham
| Published 09/15/2021

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MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX -- The Montgomery County Public Health District has received confirmation of the first death related to West Nile Virus in Montgomery County for 2021. The man, who is in his 80s, resided in the 77382 zip code of Montgomery County. This is also the 2nd confirmed case.

Last month, MCPHD confirmed the first case of WNV for 2021. The case involved a woman, in her 60s, who has now been released from the hospital. She resides in the 77365 zip code of Montgomery County.

MCPHD confirmed 5 total cases of West Nile Virus in the fall and winter of 2020.

West Nile virus can cause serious disease and is most commonly spread by infected mosquitoes. People typically develop symptoms between 3 and 14 days after they are bitten. According to the CDC, approximately 80 percent of people who are infected will not show any symptoms at all, but there is no way to know in advance if you will develop the illness.

Milder symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting and, sometimes, swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. These symptoms can last up to several weeks. Serious symptoms that account for less than 1% of those infected can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures or paralysis. These symptoms can last for several weeks and neurological effects may be permanent.

If you develop symptoms of severe WNV illness, such as unusually severe headaches or confusion, seek medical attention immediately. The majority of milder WNV illnesses improve on their own.

According to the CDC, the most effective way to avoid West Nile virus is to prevent mosquito bites. Avoid bites by using insect repellants, wearing protective clothing when outdoors and emptying standing water outside of your home.

For more information on WNV, please visit the CDC at http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html.

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