A Bedford resident was diagnosed with West Nile virus, according to a press release.
This is the city’s first human case of the year.
City spokesperson Molly Fox said it’s not unusual to see West Nile infections during prime mosquito season.
“The city certainly has its own mosquito management program, but we need residents' help to drain the water in their backyard and take personal precautions when it comes to spending time outside,” Fox said.
In response to the human case, Fox said city officials took extra precautions by clearing brush and checking for stagnant water in some publicly accessible areas.
City officials are not aware of any other confirmed human cases this season.
Both Bedford and Tarrant County have seen mosquito samples test positive for West Nile virus over the summer. Tarrant County officials confirmed the county’s first positive human case in early July.
The Tarrant County mosquito season typically runs from April to November. During the 2024 season, the county reported 71 human West Nile cases.
Most people infected with the virus are asymptomatic. According to the CDC, around one in five infected may develop fever, headache, body aches or joint pain. Rare and serious symptoms impact the brain or nervous system.
This story has been updated to include comment from a Bedford city spokesperson.
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