Amarillo launches website to track West Nile virus amid mosquito season

AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — As mosquito season approaches, the city of Amarillo is urging residents to assist in tracking the West Nile virus. The virus spreads to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes. Although the last reported human case in Potter or Randall County was in 2023, according to the state health department, the city remains vigilant.

To enhance virus tracking, Amarillo has introduced an interactive website. This platform allows residents to report heavy mosquito populations and dead birds by marking locations on a map for city investigation. Signs of infection in birds include loss of coordination, head tilt, tremors, weakness, and lethargy.

"It can infect several hundred species of birds, but the Corvidae is especially susceptible to death, so if a jay, a crow, or a magpie gets infected with West Nile, they are most likely to die," said a city official.

The city is actively spraying areas with high mosquito populations. Residents are advised to protect themselves by using bug spray, wearing long sleeves when possible, and eliminating standing water on their properties.