More mosquitos test positive for West Nile Virus

Take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites

The Washoe County Health District confirms that five additional mosquito samples in the Truckee Meadows have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). According to health officials, the samples were from the South Meadows area in the vicinity of Rosewood Lakes Golf Course and the Butler Ranch.  The Washoe County Health District Vector-Borne Disease Prevention Program will conduct early-morning fogging in the area to reduce mosquito activity.

Health officials emphasize the need for people to take preventative measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitos. “With continued hot weather following the increased thunderstorm activity we had recently, we anticipate more positive tests confirming WNV in the mosquito population. Everyone should know how to keep from being bitten,” said Washoe County Health District Communications Manager Phil Ulibarri.

How to avoid mosquito bites:

• Wear proper clothing and repellent if going outdoors when mosquitos are most active in the early morning and evening.
• Repellants containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 are the best when used according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitos from biting you. DEET can be used safely on infants and children 2 months of age and older.
• Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep mosquitos out. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.
• Clear standing water and any items from around homes that can be a potential mosquito breeding-grounds, including small puddles, pools, planters, children’s sandboxes, wagons or toys, underneath and around faucets, as well as plant saucers and pet bowls.
• Vaccinate your horses for WNV.

The Washoe County Health District’s Communicable Disease Program investigates all reported cases of diseases like WNV, and no human cases of WNV have been reported in Washoe County this year.  Residents may report night-time mosquito activity to the Health District at 785-4599 or 328-2434.

More information on WNV and the Washoe County Health District’s Vector-Borne Disease Prevention Program can be found at http://bit.ly/1SCOM2g.