Public Health Department confirms St. Louis Encephalitis virus in Lubbock

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - The Public Health Department has confirmed St. Louis Encephalitis virus, or SLEV, in Lubbock. It also says West Nile Virus is still detected in mosquito collections throughout Lubbock County.

Full release from the City of Lubbock Public Health Department:

The Lubbock Public Health Department has confirmed St. Louis Encephalitis virus (SLEV) in Lubbock. West Nile Virus (WNV) continues to be detected in mosquito collections across the county. The Biological Threat Research Lab at Texas Tech University (TTU) notified the health department of mosquitos that tested positive for WNV and SLEV. Vector Control will continue to monitor mosquito activity, treat areas with adulticide and larvicide across Lubbock and Lubbock County, but everyone is encouraged to take steps to reduce mosquito bites.

West Nile Virus (WNV) and St. Louis Encephalitis Virus (SLEV) are diseases that circulate between birds and mosquitoes. Humans become infected when bitten by a mosquito that has fed on an infected bird.

Most people infected will have mild to no symptoms, but severe illness can occur. Symptoms may include fever, headache, nausea and joint pain.

There are no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent infections. People over 50 years old and those with other health issues are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill. If people have symptoms and suspect West Nile Virus infection or St. Louis Encephalitis, they should contact their healthcare provider.

It is important for individuals to continue to take steps to avoid mosquito bites. These include:

• Wearing an EPA registered insect repellant
• Wear long sleeves and pants outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk
• Keeping mosquitoes out of living areas by using air conditioning or intact window screens
• Limiting outdoor activities during peak mosquito times. Mosquitos are active until overnight temperatures begin to drop consistently below 60°F
• Dumping standing water around your home
• Maintain yards, alleyways, water retention basins and playa lakes by mowing and trimming vegetation

For more information on West Nile Virus and St. Louis Encephalitis visit the CDC website at: http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html and https://www.cdc.gov/sle/index.html

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