East Texas

LONGVIEW -- The Texas Department of State Health Services has confirmed that a mosquito found in Southeast Longview has tested positive for the West Nile Virus.

According to the City's Environmental Health Supervisor, Buck Farrar, city staff shipped the mosquito specimens to Austin for testing on Tuesday, Aug. 26.

According to Farrar, "At this time, there has been no known human exposure in the Longview area. We will aggressively treat the area where the positive mosquito was found. Vector Control Technicians will also continue normal abatement activities."

The chance of a normally healthy individual being bitten by an infected mosquito and developing the disease is still extremely small, but people should protect themselves from mosquitoes. Listed below are effective ways to avoid a mosquito bite:

Get rid of any standing water near residence

Remain indoors during the dusk and dawn hours

Wear long pants and long sleeves when outside

Use an effective mosquito repellant according to label directions

More information about West Nile Virus can be found on the City of Longview website www.CityofLongview.com or by calling the Environmental Health Department at 903-237-1285.

-- submitted by Buck Farrar