West Nile Virus confirmed in South Meadows area

Surveillance and early morning fogging will provide some relief to local neighborhoods

RENO, Nev. – The Washoe County Health District confirms that mosquito samples from the Damonte Ranch and Hidden Valley areas have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). These are the first positive tests in Washoe County in 2018. When WNV identification is confirmed, the Health District increases mosquito surveillance and conducts controlled early-morning insecticide fogging in the area. Fogging is always conducted in early morning and is expected to begin Thursday, July 26, and/or Friday, July 27, to provide relief to those South Meadows neighborhoods from increased mosquito activity. 

     “We expected to see West Nile Virus in the area because of the substantial moisture from our spring-time precipitation and the recent and ongoing heatwave,” said Washoe County Health District Communications Manager Phil Ulibarri. “When the weather is hot and humid it presents perfect breeding factors for mosquitos.”  

While fogging represents increased prevention efforts by the Health District, and helicopter abatement efforts are scheduled for later 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 mosquitoes 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 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; and,
• Vaccinate your horses for WNV. 

Residents are asked to 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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