Three cases of West Nile virus confirmed in county

Three cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed by Hidalgo County officials, a Thursday release said.

Hidalgo County Health and Human Services Department officials said via release that the cases were identified in the western part of the county — with investigations determining that they were travel-related.

As of Thursday, no new confirmed West Nile infections were evident through mosquito testing provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

However, four potentially travel-related Dengue cases were reported by healthcare providers. The release said that clinical review is still being conducted by the county and DSHS.

'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,' the county said in the release.

The county said officials are continuing to collect mosquito samples. '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,' the release said.

Residents are encouraged to take preventive measures to lower the risk of infection. Measures include using EPA-approved mosquito repellents and wearing long-sleeve clothing while outside.

"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,' the release said. '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."