Officials: 3 cases of West Nile virus identified in Hidalgo County

HIDALGO COUNTY, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Three cases of West Nile virus have been identified in Hidalgo County, officials announced.

The Hidalgo County Health and Human Services Department identified the three cases in the western area of the county, according to a news release.

"The case investigations have been completed and determination was made that they were travel-related," the release stated.

Another four potential cases of Dengue were reported by local healthcare providers and are being reviewed by county and state health authorities. The release added that they were also potentially travel-related.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the U.S. The CDC stated that one out of five people who are infected will develop a fever or other symptoms. One out of 150 will develop serious, sometimes fatal, illness.

Dengue viruses are also mainly spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. The most common dengue symptoms include aches in pains, nausea, vomiting and a rash.

"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 release continues.

Officials will continue collecting samples to assess for arboviral illnesses.

Residents are urged to take preventive measures to lower the risk of infection, including the use of mosquito repellant and wearing long-sleeve clothing outdoors.