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Broadwater County notified of a West Nile virus case in Toston area; officials advise precautions
Summary
County officials said the state epidemiologist notified them of a confirmed West Nile virus case in the Toston area outside the county mosquito districts and urged residents to use repellent, limit dawn-and-dusk outdoor activity and wear long clothing; horse owners were advised to consult veterinarians about booster shots.
Broadwater County officials said on Aug. 26 that the state epidemiologist informed local public-health authorities of a confirmed human case of West Nile virus in the Toston area, located outside Broadwater County’s designated mosquito districts.
The notice identified Jessica Bushnell, Broadwater County’s noxious-weed and mosquito coordinator, as the source of the report. The county relayed guidance from that notice recommending that residents increase protection by using insect repellent containing DEET, limiting outdoor activities at dusk and dawn and wearing long sleeves and pants. The county further noted that there is no human vaccine for West Nile virus and advised horse owners to speak with their veterinarians about booster vaccines for horses.
Why this matters: West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitos and can cause serious illness in some people. Local health guidance aims to reduce the chance of new infections in and around communities near mosquito habitat.
County officials said residents with questions may contact Jessica Bushnell or Ruby Taylor at Broadwater County Public Health for more information or clarification about the notice and prevention steps.
The county did not provide additional details about the patient’s condition or the date of onset in the meeting record; the notice described only the location as Toston and that the case lies outside the county’s mosquito district boundaries.
