West Nile Virus confirmed in South Meadows area

First positive WNV mosquito pool of 2017 reported

Reno, NV - The Washoe County Health District confirms that a mosquito sample from the South Meadows area has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). This is the first positive test in Washoe County in 2017. When WNV identification is confirmed, the Health District increases mosquito surveillance and conducts controlled early-morning insecticide fogging in the area. Beginning early in the morning on Thursday, July 6, the Health District will be fogging the vicinity to provide relief to South Meadows neighborhoods from increased mosquito activity in the area.

“Because of the heavy precipitation this winter and the prolonged heatwave over the past couple of weeks, it is not surprising that we are seeing West Nile Virus in the area,” said Washoe County Health District Communications Manager Phil Ulibarri. “The weather has been particularly hot and humid offering prime breeding factors for mosquitos.”  While fogging represents increased prevention efforts by the Health District, and helicopter abatement efforts are scheduled every month this summer, Ulibarri reminds everyone that there are steps you can take personally to avoid being bitten by mosquitos that carry disease.

How to avoid mosquito bites:

• Wear proper clothing and repellent if going outdoors when mosquitos are most active in the early morning and evening;
• Use a repellant containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 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. Applications can be put directly on the skin and also on clothing;
• 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; and,
• Vaccinate your horses for WNV. 

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.

 

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About Washoe County Health District: The Washoe County District Board of Health, through the Washoe County Health District, has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Washoe County, Nevada. Its mission is to protect and enhance the quality of life for all citizens of Washoe County through health promotion, disease prevention, public health emergency preparedness, and environmental services. The Board of Health is composed of seven members, including two representatives each from Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County, and a physician licensed to practice medicine in Nevada.

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