Two confirmed cases of human West Nile Virus in Commerce
By Becky Pattillo, Acting City Secretary, Public Information Officer
Sep 7, 2016
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COMMERCE, TX — Emergency Management Officials are reporting two confirmed cases of human West Nile Virus within the city limits of Commerce. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 70 to 80 percent of people infected with West Nile Virus will exhibit no symptoms. One out of five people will develop symptoms such as a fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or a rash. Less than one percent of people who are infected will develop a serious neurologic illness. 

In our ongoing effort to combat mosquitoes, city staff will once again spray in the areas where human cases of West Nile have been reported beginning tonight, Sept. 6, and will continue for three days. The spraying is more effective if it takes place during peak mosquito biting hours, so spraying will begin around 7:30 p.m. each night. 

The chemical used in the spray is of low toxicity to humans and pets, but it is a pesticide and direct contact should be avoided. Citizens should go indoors and stay back from the truck during spraying operations. The chemical will not be sprayed if the driver sees people outdoors. This product is extremely toxic to fish, and fishponds should be covered. 

Although the chemicals will greatly reduce the number of mosquitoes, the spray will not eliminate all chances of getting bit. Emergency Management Officials urge residents to take precautionary measures, such as using an insect repellant containing DEET.  

City of Commerce and Texas A&M University-Commerce Emergency Management Officials will continue to trap and test mosquitoes in all areas of Commerce as long as the threat continues. For additional information on West Nile visit www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/disease/arboviral/westnile/information OR www.cdc.gov/westnile.