Additional Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus

Washoe County Health District confirms a second mosquito sample is positive for West Nile Virus

Reno, Nev. August 9, 2019 - The Washoe County Health District confirms an additional mosquito sample tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). This is the second positive sample found in Washoe County this summer.  No human cases of WNV have been reported to the Washoe County Health District.

According to health officials, the sample was from Damonte Ranch and Steamboat Parkway, including the Rio Wrangler vicinity.  The Washoe County Health District Vector-Borne Disease Program will conduct early-morning fogging in the area tomorrow, August 10, 2019.

Health officials emphasize the need for people to take preventative measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. “With continued hot weather and increased thunderstorm activity, we anticipate more positive tests confirming WNV in the mosquito population. “Everyone should take precautions from being bitten,” said Washoe County District Health Officer, Kevin Dick.

Tips to avoid mosquito bites:

• Wear proper clothing and repellent if going outdoors in the early mornings and evenings.
• Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535. DEET can be used safely on infants and children 2 months of age and older.
• Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep mosquitoes out.
• Clear standing water from around homes, including small puddles, pools, planters, children’s sandboxes, as well as plant saucers and pet bowls.
• Vaccinate horses for WNV.
• Additional prevention tips are available on the CDC Prevent Mosquito Bites website.

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