West Nile Virus Detected Near Amarillo After Heavy Rains

Thanks to all the rain we've received in the last month here in Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle in general, the mosquitoes are out in full force.

It means everyone SHOULD be wearing that lovely bug spray perfume or cologne, especially if you're in areas with lots of grass or water near it.

Mosquitoes Carry Diseases And Viruses

This isn't anything new, but a reminder that mosquito bites aren't just annoying and itchy. They can make you sick, or worse, kill you.

One of the biggest things we look out for when it comes to mosquito season is West Nile Virus. It's relatively commonplace, but it doesn't always appear.

Read More: What Happens When Amarillo Gets Rain? The City Fights Mosquitoes.

West Nile Virus Confirmed In Lubbock, TX.

While we haven't heard of anything pop up in the Amarillo or Canyon area, we now have word that West Nile Virus has been confirmed in Lubbock.

There haven't been any confirmed reports about a person being infected with West Nile as of yet, but mosquito samples collected in Lubbock County have popped positive for West Nile Virus.

What Is Amarillo Doing To Prevent It

Amarillo’s Environmental Health Department has decided to expand its mosquito control in anticipation of a busier-than-usual season of mosquitoes. All the rain we've received is expected to bring them out in full force.

The city has a relatively extensive plan in place that includes larvicide applications, adult fogging, and surveillance of areas to help curb the impending mosquito problem. All of these things SHOULD help with keeping the mosquitoes at bay, but it's best to take precautions yourself by using bug spray.