First 2018 Case of West Nile Virus Reported in Lubbock

Through an investigation, the Lubbock Health Department was unable to confirm if the person contracted West Nile Virus in Lubbock. Officials say the individual may been infected while traveling in surrounding counties or states.

Vector Control has increased spraying in targeted areas for precaution.

Humans are exposed to the virus when they are bitten by an infected mosquito. Since mosquitoes are the link that spreads the disease from birds to humans, the disease cannot be spread person-to-person.

There are two types of the West Nile Virus: West Nile fever, and West Nile encephalitis.  Symptoms of the fever includes headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, nausea and fatigue. The fever is less serious, and people typically recover on their own.

West Nile encephalitis is more serious, and may have additional symptoms, including neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis.

There are no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent West Nile Virus infections. Up to 80 percent of people infected will have no symptoms.