Lubbock Announces First 2023 Case and Death of West Nile Virus

On Friday, July 14, the City of Lubbock announced that one person passed away after contracting West Nile Virus. The City of Lubbock had originally and Biological Threat Research Lab at Texas Tech University did announce two weeks prior to the death that mosquitoes carrying the virus had been discovered in the Hub City.

That person contracted West Nile Virus in June and was the first person in 2023 to contract the virus in Lubbock and pass away. The City of Lubbock did state that the virus was a contributing factor to this persons passing. The disease, West Nile Virus, is a serious threat to anyone who has a weakened or compromised immune system and precautions are to be taken during the Summer months.

The City of Lubbock released a statement regarding the numbers of previous West Nile Virus cases.

For the 2022 season, Texas reported 42 human cases, including seven deaths. Over the last five years, Texas has reported 485 cases and 65 deaths.

These are only the cases that have been reported as many people can contract the disease but be asymptomatic when it comes to the infection.

Mosquitoes can contract the virus after feeding off an infected bird and can cause symptoms to humans such as fever, nausea, headaches, and muscle aches lasting days to weeks. The City of Lubbock does urge everyone to take precautions such as

• Wearing an EPA registered insect repellant
• Covering up with long-sleeved shirts and long pants
• Keeping mosquitoes out of living areas by using air conditioning or intact window screens
• Limiting outdoor activities during peak mosquito times
• Dumping standing water around your home

It is advised that if anyone has any symptoms or just questions regarding West Nile Virus to visit the CDC website for more information. If you do start to show symptoms of the virus it is urged to contact your primary healthcare physician or any type of medical care immediately.