Harris County agency on first West Nile virus sample of 2022: 'We encourage residents to take precautions this mosquito season'

The Harris County Public Health Mosquito and Vector Control Division (MVCD) has discovered the first West Nile virus sample of the year near Humble in the northeast part of the county, Houston-based media outlets reported.

Houston NBC affiliate KPRC reported that MVCD is in the process of treating the affected area, which director Chris Fredregill said in a press release is standard procedure. 

“Our Mosquito and Vector Control Division has more than 50 years of experience serving Harris County and protecting residents from mosquito-borne diseases,” Fredregill said. "When mosquito samples are confirmed positive for mosquito-borne disease, our team moves quickly to address and treat the area of concern."

According to Houston FOX affiliate KRIV, mosquitoes tend to breed between May and October because of the ideal warm conditions.

The station reported that Harris County is home to 56 species of mosquitoes yet a few carry diseases such as Saint Louis Encephalitis, Chikungunya, Dengue and Zika aside from West Nile.

Fredregill said in the release that MVCD stands ready to help the public.

"We encourage residents to take precautions this mosquito season and reach out to us if they have questions, concerns or are in need expert advice," he said.

KRIV reported that among the things residents can do to stay safe from mosquitoes is to rid areas of their homes where standing water may be present and apply mosquito repellant as directed.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), West Nile is the country's leading cause of mosquito-borne disease, with 20% of those infected developing a fever and other symptoms.

The CDC said that around one out of 150 people develop a serious, occasional fatal, illness.