The West Nile Virus, which is spread through mosquito bites, is arising concern amongst Texans. Hector Chavez, director of Public Works, reports that cases have been detected in regions all over the state of Texas.

cases in the Eagle Pass area. But, in the meantime, no cases have been confirmed on this border. Héctor Chavez comments that in Texas, mostly in the North, two hundred cases of the West Nile Virus have been detected. According to the most recent reports, seven- teen people have died because of this mosquito- transmitted virus. It is caught by mosquitos when they feed off of infected birds or ani- mals, and then the humans catch the virus when bit by the infected mosquitos. According to the Texas Department of Health, this virus can cause serious sick- nesses or even fatalities. Neurological symptoms of the West Nile Virus include a stiff neck, vision problems, shivers, confusion, loss of memory, and convulsions. The lightest form of the sick- ness is the West Nile fever, whose symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and

bone aches, nausea, and drowsiness. Those who have this version of the virus typi- cally recover on their own even though the symptoms could last several weeks. Up to eighty percent of people infected by the West Nile Virus do not even have symptoms and recover on their own. Local authorities of Eagle Pass are asking peo- ple to take precautions to prevent any contact with this virus. Hector Chavez recom- mends to keep lawns clean and free from weeds and garbage. Also, avoiding cre- ating reservoirs of water (such as ponds, lakes, etc.) in yards will greatly decrease the amount of mosquitos in the surrounding areas as that is their favorite form of habi- tat. Authorities advise that people use insect repellant when outside and try to avoid being outdoors when the sun rises and when the sun sets.