The West Nile virus has infected at least 552 people in Texas, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. So far 21 people have died, compared to only 2 West Nile-related deaths in the state during 2011.

1. Texas West Nile Outbreak
Most Deadly in the Nation
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2. Summary: The West Nile virus has infected at
least 552 people in Texas, according to the
Texas Department of State Health Services. So
far 21 people have died, compared to only 2
West Nile-related deaths in the state during
2011.
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3. (August 21, 2012) – Texas officials have declared a state of
emergency as the West Nile virus continues to spread, causing
sickness and even death, especially among the elderly and those
with weakened immune systems. So far Texas leads the US in both
illness and fatalities, with 552 confirmed West Nile cases and 21
deaths. Health officials in neighboring Louisiana have reported only
92 cases with 6 deaths, while Oklahoma has had 61 cases and 3
deaths.
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4. West Nile virus is spread by mosquitos, which pick up the
virus by feeding on infected birds and then pass it on to
people. While 80% of those who become infected with
West Nile virus have minimal or no symptoms, about 20%
of infected individuals will show mild symptoms including
headache, fever, skin rashes, joint pain, and swollen lymph
glands. Most people with mild cases of West Nile virus will
recover fully even without medical treatment, although
the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) does
recommend that anyone who develops these symptoms
following a mosquito bite should see their doctor right
away.
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5. Less than 1% of infected individuals will develop severe
symptoms such as high fever, headache, neck
stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscl
e weakness, loss of vision, numbness, and paralysis. These
symptoms may last for several weeks or even become
permanent in some instances.
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6. And in the most extreme cases, infection with West Nile
virus can cause serious neurologic illness, such as
encephalitis, meningitis, or death. According to the CDC, the
people most at risk for serious reactions are adults over age
50 and individuals with underlying certain medical
conditions including cancer, diabetes, high blood
pressure, kidney disease and organ transplants, along with
those whose immune systems have been compromised.
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7. The greatest risk for West Nile virus infection typically
begins in June and runs through September in the US, with
cases peaking in mid-August. Anyone at risk for developing
severe reactions to West Nile infections is advised to
actively take precautions to avoid being bitten by
mosquitos.
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8. The CDC recommends using insect repellants when going
outside; wearing long sleeves and pants from dawn to
dusk; installing window and door screens and keeping
them in good repair; using air conditioning when
possible rather than opening windows; and removing any
open sources of standing water that is not changed
frequently such as flowerpots, birdbaths, buckets, old
tires, and children's wading pools. More information
about West Nile virus symptoms, treatments and
infection prevention tips can be found at
www.cdc.gov/westnile/
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9. In addition to the CDC's official site, a number of other
websites are helping to spread awareness about the alarming
rise in West Nile virus infections and fatalities in Texas. Among
these is
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Texas-Proud-to-Call-It-
Home/328296373930484
a Facebook fanpage that offers an online community where
people can share their thoughts and comments about the
latest Texas news and events.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Texas-Proud-to-Call-It-Home/328296373930484

10. "We feel it is very important to get the news out about how
dangerous the 2012 West Nile outbreak can be for seniors
and others whose health puts them at risk," notes page
administrator S.S. Ober-Lehn. "And Facebook's international
appeal makes the Texas Proud to Call It Home fanpage a
natural place for anyone who is concerned about the rising
incidence of West Nile infections and fatalities in Texas to
come together to discuss this serious situation and help
spread awareness about it."
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Texas-Proud-to-Call-It-Home/328296373930484

11. To find out more about current news and events
in Texas, please visit
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Texas-Proud-to-Call-It-
Home/328296373930484
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