Protect Yourself: First West Nile Case of 2022 Reported in Texas

Summer is coming, and the virus that causes West Nile Fever has shown up for the first time this year in Texas. The disease is transmitted through bites from infected mosquitoes.

Texas Department of State Health Services reported that the first case of West Nile disease occurred in Dallas County, according to KXAN.

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KPRC reports that last year in Texas, there were 112 cases of West Nile disease and 14 deaths.

What is West Nile Virus?

West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the United States. Human infections from West Nile virus have been reported in various countries worldwide for over 50 years.

The virus doesn't just infect humans, but also birds, horses, and other animals.

Symptoms of West Nile Fever

Mayoclinic.org states that about 20% of people who get exposed to the virus by a mosquito bite develop a mild infection called West Nile fever.

Common signs and symptoms of West Nile fever can include:

Fever
Headache
Body aches
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Skin rash

The World Health Organization states that around one out of 150 people infected with the virus develop severe disease, also known as neuroinvasive disease, which in extreme cases can cause death. Symptoms include neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, and coma.

Is West Nile Virus Contagious?

West Nile virus is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito.

According to the CDC, in a small number of cases West Nile virus has been spread through a lab setting, blood transfusion or organ transplant, and from mother to baby during pregnancy or breast feeding. West Nile virus is not spread through coughing, sneezing, or touching live animals.

How to Keep Mosquitoes Away

One of the best ways to prevent mosquitoes from breeding is by getting rid of standing water in and around your home. Texas Department of State Health Services recommends the following:

At least weekly, empty or remove any containers that hold water
Change water in pet dishes daily
Use mosquito dunks for water that can’t be emptied or covered
Cover trash containers

You can lower your risk of mosquito bites by using mosquito repellent and wearing clothing that covers your exposed skin.

No Matter Where You Stay, Use Bug Spray!

While it's always a good idea to know about areas with the lowest crime rates and best recreational opportunities when you are looking for a place to live, it’s also important to know which places to avoid. Even if you move to a neighborhood with a low crime rate, you could also be close to less safe communities.

Here are the top 10 worst places to live in Texas according to moneyinc.com.

Texas in Top 10 Best States to Work from Home in America

How many people do you know that work from home? Since the pandemic, the number of employers with remote jobs has risen steadily.

WalletHub used 12 factors to compare 50 states and the District of Columbia, including the percentage of people working from home, internet cost, cybersecurity, plus size and population concentration of homes in the state.

Let's take a look at the states that are the best for remote work, and where Texas sits on the list nationwide.

This $170M Texas Ranch With 65,000 Acres Is a Dog Lover’s Dream Home

Mesa Vista, the 65,000-acre Panhandle ranch, which belonged to oil billionaire T. Boone Pickens until his death three years ago, has been up for sale since 2017. The list of mind-blowing amenities is long, but for the price it's quite a deal!

The property includes its own golf course, a chapel with a memory garden, an airport with a private apartment for the pilot, and a 40-unit kennel, complete with a bronze dog sculpture in front of the building. Pickens, who was an avid hunter and dog lover, told Land Report in 2015 “Back when I couldn’t afford one bird dog, I had two. When I couldn’t afford two, I had three.”

Let's take a look around this incredible piece of property, which was recently reduced from $250 to $170 million, and see what kind of luxuries you and your furry friends could enjoy!