Second case of West Nile virus in 2018 confirmed in Montgomery County

The second human case of West Nile virus this year has been confirmed in Montgomery County.

Officials say a man in his 60's remains hospitalized due to the case of West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease. This is the second case of West Nile virus in Montgomery County this year. Last year on this date there was one reported case of West Nile virus.

The Mosquito Abatement Department is spraying affected areas and resident are encouraged to do their part to fight West Nile virus.

“Our office is working diligently to minimize the risk of contracting a mosquito borne illness,” Montgomery County Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack said. “The Mosquito Abatement Team is coordinating with the Montgomery County Public Health District on this treatment effort.”

Residents can check the treatment activity map at precinct3.org/mosquito-abatement/

The CDC says the best way to prevent West Nile virus and Zika is to prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellant that contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane​​​​​​​-diol products, and to cover up when outdoors.

Symptoms of West Nile virus typically appear three to 14 days after being bitten and can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash. More serious symptoms include neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures or​​​​​​​ paralysis.

For more information on West Nile virus and prevention, visit the CDC website here.