Additional Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus

Washoe County Health District confirms a third set of mosquito samples are positive for West Nile Virus

Reno, Nev. August 16, 2019 - The Washoe County Health District confirms five additional mosquito samples tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). This is the third positive sample set 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 samples were from the Longley Lane and South Rock Blvd. areas.

Due to the WNV identification, the Health District will be increasing mosquito surveillance and conducting controlled early morning fogging in the Veterans Parkway, Longley Lane and South Rock Blvd. areas.

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.

Residents may report night-time mosquito activity by calling the Washoe County Health District at (775) 328-2434. For more information visit the Washoe County Health District’s Vector-Borne Disease Prevention Program webpage.

                                                                      ###