The city of Murphy is taking precautions after a trapped mosquito tested positive for West Nile Virus.
The mosquito was caught Friday, June 14, in a trap in the creek bed along Lonesome Dove Trail and the Texas Department of State Health Services reported the mosquito tested positive for the virus, the city said in a release posted online.
No human infections are reported at this time, the release said.
The release said the city is contacting pest control services and will announce a spraying schedule as soon as possible, weather permitting. The area is northeast of the intersection of North Murphy Road and Betsy Lane.
The release said the best way to prevent West Nile is to protect yourself from mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, treating clothing and gear with repellent and taking steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors.
Residents who suspect they or a family member are infected should immediately report it to their doctor or medical facility, the release said.
Most people (eight out of 10) infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Of those who do develop symptoms, about 20% develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash, the CDC said on the West Nile information page on cdc.gov.
“Most people with febrile illness due to West Nile virus recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months,” the CDC said.
The agency said about one in 150 people who are infected develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord).
“Symptoms of severe illness include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis,” according to the information.
Severe illness can occur in people of any age. However, people over 60 years of age are at greater risk for severe illness, the CDC said. In addition, people with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and people who have received organ transplants, are also at greater risk.
There is no specific treatment for West Nile but rest, fluids and pain medications may relieve symptoms, the agency said.

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