The City of Midland has reported its first case of West Nile Virus (WNV) for the year, a finding that also marks the first instance of the disease in Midland County. The city's Health Services department indicated that mosquito traps have been installed throughout the county, with the Department of State Health Services tasked with testing these mosquitoes for diseases. The state later informed the city that some of these trapped mosquitoes were carriers of WNV.
According to a release from the City of Midland, the incubation period for West Nile Virus typically ranges from 2 to 6 days but can extend up to 14 days, and in immunocompromised individuals, it may last several weeks. Approximately 70-80% of human WNV infections are subclinical or asymptomatic.
Symptoms in symptomatic individuals often include acute systemic febrile illness, characterized by headache, weakness, myalgia or arthralgia, along with gastrointestinal symptoms and a transient maculopapular rash.
In a press release dated May 7, the city stated that state health officials are urging people to wear long sleeves and pants, apply insect repellent, and eliminate standing water as preventative measures against the spread of the disease.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated that peak transmission periods for this illness occur from summer through fall.
The CDC also cautioned that there are currently no vaccines or medications available for West Nile. However, it did note that around 20% of infections result in fever and other symptoms.