Two more Abilene residents have tested positive for West Nile virus, bringing the total to six in Taylor County, according to the Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District.

Here’s today’s release from the city of Abilene:

ABILENE, Texas – On Wednesday, Sept. 5, the Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District received laboratory reports of three Abilene residents and one Taylor County resident who tested positive for West Nile virus.

Since the release of those test results, another possible West Nile virus case involving a 44-year-old male living in the western part of Abilene was reported to the Health District. That residence was included in the three day mosquito spraying regimen that was completed on Monday, Sept. 10. The laboratory results received Friday, Sept. 7 for this possible case were positive for West Nile virus.

Another possible case was reported to the Health District on Monday, Sept. 10 and involves a 27-year-old female who lives in the south central part of Abilene. Information gathered about the case suggests that the virus may have been contracted outside of Abilene in another part of the state. However, mosquito spraying in the resident’s vicinity is still being considered by the Environmental Health Division and is dependent on the weather. The 27-year-old female was treated by her primary care provider but no clinical information is known about the 44-year-old male.

Dr. Zane Travis, M.D. Health Authority for the Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District again urges those who have health concerns to contact their primary care provider or see a doctor immediately if symptoms such as high fever, confusion, muscle weakness and severe headaches develop.

In early August, mosquitoes trapped on the north side of Abilene tested positive for West Nile virus. The mosquitoes were collected August 1st and have been the only trapped mosquitoes to test positive this year.

Protection from the West Nile virus can be increased with the “4 D’s”:
1. Stay indoors at DUSK and DAWN. This is the time of day that mosquitoes are most
active.
2. DRESS in long sleeves and pants, loose and light-colored clothing when outdoors.
3. DEFEND yourself from mosquitoes by using an insect repellent that contains DEET,
Picardin or Oil of lemon eucalyptus. Follow label instructions.
4. DRAIN standing water in your yard and neighborhood. Also make sure that flower
pots, water dishes, bird baths and wading pools are drained properly so they are not
breeding grounds for mosquitoes.