Texas Border Business
EDINBURG – Officials from the Hidalgo County Health and Human Services Department have identified three cases of West Nile virus in the western part of the county. The case investigations have been completed and determination was made that they were travel-related. As of today, there are no new confirmed West Nile infections as evident through our mosquito testing provided by Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
Additionally, four potentially travel-related Dengue cases were reported by local healthcare providers and clinical review is still being conducted between the County and Texas DSHS in accordance to CDC procedures.
It is important to note that the overall mosquito trapping conducted by Hidalgo County and Texas DSHS have not identified any positive mosquito pools of Dengue or West Nile in our area. Health officials continue to work diligently with municipal partners in collecting mosquito samples to assess for any active arboviral illness. Hidalgo County staff continues to carry out adulticide spraying and larviciding in the affected areas to help reduce mosquito populations.
Residents are strongly encouraged to take preventive measures to lower the risk of infection. These measures include using EPA-approved mosquito repellents and wearing long-sleeve clothing while outdoors.
Healthcare providers are advised to consider ordering a full arboviral panel for patients presenting with symptoms of arboviral illness, reporting mosquito bites, or having recently traveled to areas with increased arboviral activity. This will help ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment. Healthcare providers with patients suspected of any arboviral illness can contact the Hidalgo County Health and Human Services at (956) 318-2426.
