MIDLAND HEALTH SERVICES CONFIRMS WEST NILE IN MIDLAND
(July 28, 2025)
MIDLAND, TEXAS -- City of Midland Health Services has confirmed West Nile Virus in Midland County for the first time this year.
Midland Health Services places mosquito traps throughout the county and the Texas Department of State Health Services laboratory tests the mosquitoes for diseases. They notified us that some of the mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile Virus. Please take steps to reduce mosquito bites.
These steps include:
1. Wearing an EPA registered insect repellant,
2. Covering up with long-sleeves and pants,
3. Keeping mosquitoes out of living areas by using air conditioning or intact window screens,
4. Limiting outdoor activities during peak mosquito times (sunrise and sunset),
5. Dumping standing water around your home.
Humans are exposed to WNV when they are bitten by mosquitoes that have fed on infected birds. The infected mosquitoes can then spread the disease to humans through a mosquito bite. This disease cannot be spread person-to-person.
80% of those who are infected show no symptoms at all. For people who do develop symptoms, they can include:
· Fever
· Headache
· Muscle and joint aches
· Nausea and vomiting
· Diarrhea
· Rash
About 1 in 150 people may develop central nervous system infections and can experience additional symptoms of neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis.
While there are no medications to treat or vaccines to these infections, for most symptomatic individuals rest, fluids and over-the-counter pain medications will relieve their symptoms. People over 55 years old and those with other health issues are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill. If people have symptoms and suspect West Nile virus infection, they should contact their healthcare provider and inform them of previous mosquito exposure.
For more information on West Nile virus visit the DSHS website at: https://dshs.texas.gov/idcu/disease/arboviral/westNile/