SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
SPARKS — The State of Nevada, Department of Agriculture’s Animal Disease Laboratory has tested a total of 2,609 mosquito pools to date. Mosquito surveillance (conducted by county vector control agencies and the State Entomologist) started on March 17th in Clark County. 2010 surveillance coverage is again state wide.
The 1st WNV positive mosquito pool was collected on 7/7/2010 in Mineral County, since then positive mosquito pools have been collected in Churchill Co, Douglas Co, Lyon Co, Washoe Co and White Pine Co. Serum samples from two horses in Churchill Co, collected on 7/28/2010 and 08/03/2010, respectively also tested positive for WNV. Additionally, one mosquito pool collected in Churchill Co in August tested positive for Western Equine Encephalitis, a vector transmitted virus which has been endemic in the intermountain west probably for centuries.
The easiest and best way to avoid WNV and other vector borne diseases is to prevent mosquito bites.
- When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA registered active ingredient, like DEET. Follow the directions on the package.
- Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.
- Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
- Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren’t being used.
- Make sure your horses are vaccinated.
