Sep
14
Texas Woman Holds West Nile Virus Awareness Event
As a tribute to her grandfather who died from West Nile virus infection, a woman based in Bellmead, Texas, is holding an awareness event this weekend about the mosquito-borne illness.
The “Fight The Bite” event will be held this Sunday (September 16th) at a local bar in nearby Waco, where participants can pick up information about the virus and the disease it brings, as, questions to pest-control experts, try out free samples of products, and even join a free raffle for various prizes. Organizer Donna Wiley (pictured) hopes to educate local residents on how to lower than chances of contracting West Nile virus.
Among the products that will be featured in the event include mosquito dunks that can be placed in small bodies of water to control mosquito population, as well as wet wipes that mosquito-repellents like DEET.
Wiley, an employee at the McLennan Community College library, has been planning the awareness event since her grandfather, 88-year-old Raymond Finn, died in July 22nd. At the time, only 13 residents of McLennan County had been diagnosed with West Nile virus.
As of this posting, the local case count is up to 40, with Finn being the only fatality.
Proceeds raised from the event will be donated to West Nile research, according to Wiley.
Any money raised at the event will be donated to West Nile research, Wiley said.
Source: Waco Tribune-Herald
Photo credit: Jerry Larson / Waco Tribune-Herald,