West Nile Virus increasing in Texas

DSHS has confirmed six human cases of neuroinvasive West Nile in Texas this year, one in Dallas County and five in Harris County. There have been no West Nile deaths in Texas in 2006. West Nile has been detected in humans, birds, horses or mosquitoes in 18 Texas counties in 2006.

In 2005 West Nile was detected in 78 Texas counties. There were 128 human cases from 38 counties, including 11 deaths. In 2004 West Nile was detected in 101 Texas counties. There were 119 human cases from 40 counties, including eight deaths. In 2003 West Nile was detected in 190 counties. There were 439 human cases from 86 counties, including 38 deaths.In 2002 West Nile was detected in 213 counties. There were 202 human cases from 37 counties, including 13 deaths.Since the virus was first found in Texas in 2002, West Nile has been detected in humans, birds, mosquitoes or horses in 233 of the state's 254 counties. Neuroinvasive refers to meningitis or encephalitis.

You wouldn't expect that a little mosquito could make so many problems, but be on the safe side and enroll in a health plan from UniCare at www.medequote.net, or www.unicaresoundplans.com. That will keep you in great shape the next time you get bit by something unexpected.