West Nile Hits East Texas

PALESTINE — The West Nile virus season is upon us. Carrie Williams with the state health department says a man from Anderson County is recovering — marking the first case of the year. She hopes this year won’t be like last. “Last year was unprecedented,” says Williams. “We had record high numbers of cases. It was the worst year we’ve ever had in Texas of West Nile activity.” North Texas was ground zero for the virus last year; there were 1,868 human cases last year and 89 deaths. Williams says you can protect yourself by using an insect repellent with DEET and wearing long sleeves. Also be aware that disease carrying mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn.