Hidalgo County investigate 4 potential cases of West Nile Virus

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Hidalgo County Health and Human Services is investigating four new potential local cases of the West Nile Virus.

According to a news release from the Hidalgo County Judge's Office, new cases of the West Nile Virus have risen in Central and North Texas.

_{Texas counties with West Nile Virus in mosquitos in 2024. (Source: Hidalgo County Judge's Office)}

The release added that local investigations are being conducted to determine the source of infection with the Texas State Health Services. The investigated geographical areas are located in the central and western parts of the county.

Due to the recent rain, residents are asked to take precautionary measures to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds by removing standing water from buckets, unused pools and tires.

Residents are also asked to place mosquito dunks on water sources that cannot be drained, such as a bird bath. Mosquito dunks prevent the larvae from maturing into adult mosquitos.

Hidalgo County officials advise health care providers to consider ordering an arboviral panel for patients who are experiencing symptoms consistent with arboviral illness, especially those reporting mosquito bites.