In the 17 years he served as manager, he said he has seen mosquito populations this high. But he's never seen such a high number of West Nile cases.

As of Oct. 2, the virus had killed 71 people statewide, according to Texas Department of State Health Services statistics.

Jefferson said a West Nile vaccine will be years in the making, but in the meantime, there are preventative measures that can be taken. He said people should follow the "4 D's," as outlined by the Tarrant County Health Department:

-Do not, or try to avoid, being outside at dusk or dawn. 
-Dress appropriately if you must go outside. Wear long sleeves and jeans.
-Drain standing water if you see it.
-Wear DEET-containing insect repellant.

Wearing a repellant with the chemical DEET is the most important step, Jefferson said.

“Think of it like a seatbelt. Seatbelts don’t protect you from every injury in every crash, but it will help you a great deal in most cases.”

Pest control agencies like Alamo Termite & Pest Control have recorded an increase in demand for services and products, according to Kenny Bishoff, general manager of Alamo Termite & Pest Control.

While spraying has taken place in unincorporated areas of Fort Worth, there has not been spraying near the university, Jefferson said. The university pest control's contractor recently inspected the pond in Worth Hills area of campus, concluding "it [is] very unlikely that [TCU] will ever experience a mosquito issue with the pond," according to a document released to TCU 360 by Dick Bryan, the associate director of heading operations at the physical plant. 

The university has made a thorough effort to keep its students informed about the West Nile situation by maintaining contact with the Tarrant County Health Department, Jefferson said. 

The university has posted informative West Nile links here, according to Director of Communications Lisa Albert. 

Mosquito season is on the tail end, Jefferson said. "The best thing now is to learn from this year, so that we can possibly prevent it in the future." 

For more information on the university's response to West Nile virus season, visit this website.