A seemingly innocuous mosquito bite claimed the life of a beloved senior from Columbus High School on Oct. 2. Alex Medrano, at just 17 years old, tragically succumbed to West Nile Virus. His untimely death deeply impacted countless individuals, including fellow students and the broader community, who mourned the loss of one of their own— an astonishing outcome stemming from a simple mosquito bite.
Deaths due to West Nile Virus are uncommon. The majority of people bitten by mosquitoes carrying the virus do not exhibit symptoms; approximately 20 percent may experience symptoms such as fever, muscle and joint aches, headaches, nausea, and fatigue. According to the Centers for Disease Control, less than one percent of those infected experience severe complications, as the virus can attack the nervous system and lead to death.
“Unfortunately, many mosquitos in Texas are capable of spreading diseases, such as West Nile and dengue. These diseases are often mild, but some people will develop severe illness,” said DSHS Commissioner Jennifer Shuford, MD, MPH. “So, it is important for Texans to know how to protect themselves against mosquito bites.”
