Texas is currently experiencing a surge in mosquito-borne diseases, specifically dengue fever and West Nile virus. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, there have been 10 confirmed cases of dengue fever in 2024, all from international travel. The department also warned that heavy rainfall from Hurricane Beryl created conditions for mosquitoes to multiply and urged people working on storm cleanup to protect themselves.
In addition, three mosquito traps in Denton have tested positive for West Nile virus, and the city is at a public health concern level due to the positive results. The best way to prevent both dengue fever and West Nile virus is by protecting oneself from mosquito bites.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health advisory about the spread of dengue fever globally, reporting over 10 million cases and 5,000 deaths since the beginning of 2024. Countries in the Americas accounted for most of the reported cases at 9.7 million so far this year.
The CDC also warns that hot, wet weather could fuel breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes and urges people to take precautions against mosquito bites when traveling to areas with dengue fever outbreaks.
In Texas, the cities of Georgetown and Williamson County have reported positive cases of West Nile virus. The city of Georgetown will spray for mosquitos this weekend after a mosquito trap at Pinnacle Park tested positive for West Nile. In Williamson County, there has been one human case diagnosed with West Nile fever, and 13 mosquito traps have tested positive.
The CDC recommends the following actions to prevent mosquito bites:
- Eliminate standing water around your home where mosquitoes could breed, such as flower pots and clogged rain gutters.
- Avoid outdoor activity from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear long sleeves and long pants while outside.
- Apply repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus when outside
It's important to note that no vaccines can prevent and no medications can treat either dengue fever or West Nile virus. Preventing mosquito bites is essential.
