South Texas West Nile virus battle

14 September 2012 09:06

Health officials have launched a major spraying operation to stop mosquitoes breeding in a bid to prevent the spread of the West Nile virus in south Texas.

Health officials have launched a major spraying operation to stop mosquitoes breeding in a bid to prevent the spread of the West Nile virus in south Texas.

Health officials have launched a major spraying operation to stop mosquitoes breeding in a bid to prevent the spread of the West Nile virus in south Texas. The moves comes after confirmation of the first case this year in the Rio Grande Valley following an outbreak in the northern part of the state.

Hidalgo County Health Services administrator Eddie Olivarez said: "It was just a matter of time before West Nile would impact us here down in south Texas." No emergency situation has been declared but health officials suspect there will be more cases. And with the area - known as The Valley - featuring a host of tourist attractions, including several wildlife reserves, the outbreak highlights the importance of having medical travel insurance.

Mr Olivarez said: "I am sure in the days and weeks ahead there will be other cases that will be identified as potential West Nile or highly suspect of West Nile but as of right now, no." To stop mosquitoes breeding crews across the Rio Grande Valley area are spraying insecticide. McAllen Health Director Josh Ramirez said: "You control the mosquito, you control the virus."

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