South San Antonio News

The City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (Metro Health) has confirmed that a mosquito pool tested positive for the West Nile Virus (WNV). This marks the first positive mosquito pool for this year. The infected mosquito pool trap was collected in the southwest area of San Antonio near the intersection of Ray Ellison Blvd and Loop 410. Lab results from Metro Health were confirmed on May 15, 2024.

Pest control treatment and fogging services will take place next week in the surrounding areas by Metro Health’s Vector Control program. Future positive WNV mosquito pools will be updated on Metro Health’s website.

Metro Health is urging community members to follow safety measures to prevent mosquitoes due to increased rainfall which may result in increased hatching of mosquito eggs. These measures include removing standing water, improving sanitation, and protecting oneself using insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin on skin not covered by clothing.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), WNV is mostly spread to people from a bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds and then spread WNV to people and other animals by biting them.

Cases of WNV occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through fall. There are no vaccines or medications to prevent or treat WNV. Most people infected with WNV do not feel sick but about 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms such as headaches, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rashes. Severe illness can occur in people of any age; however, people over 60 years of age are at greater risk for severe illness if they are infected.