West Nile virus still present in Washoe County

Practice prevention to keep from being bitten

RENO, NV – Two additional human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Washoe County have been confirmed local health officials announced today, bringing attention to the fact that people need to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Additionally, health officials are asking individuals in the Truckee Meadows who are experiencing adult mosquito bites to contact them with the locations of increased mosquito activity so they can respond to these specific areas with abatement measures.

According to Washoe County Health District Communications Manager Phil Ulibarri, the Health District now has confirmed four human cases and one equine case of WNV in the southern Washoe County-area since late August. “We are not experiencing any relief from mosquito activity with the current weather pattern,” said Ulibarri. “Until we have a cold snap or a freeze that will stop the mosquito activity for the season, we stress the need for everyone to practice prevention strategies to keep from getting bitten. We’re also asking people to report mosquito activity to the Health District so that we can conduct abatement efforts like early-morning fogging in those areas to prevent WNV transmission from mosquitos to humans.”  Ulibarri said. Residents may report mosquito activity to the Health District at 785-4599 or 328-2434.

How to avoid mosquito bites:

• Wear proper clothing and repellent if going outdoors when mosquitos are active, especially in the early morning and evening.
• Use repellants containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 which 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 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. At this time the Health District is also advising healthcare providers to consider a WNV infection as your differential diagnosis among patients who are ill and have recently experienced mosquito bites.