Washoe County health officials announced today that a Sparks adult has tested positive for West Nile Virus.
The positive result was discovered after a blood donation at a local blood bank. The individual is not showing symptoms.
“Fortunately the individual did not become sick and did not exhibit symptoms such as a fever,” said Kevin Dick, Washoe County’s district health officer. “We may never have known of the infection if the individual hadn’t donated blood.”
There have been five positive cases of the virus found in local mosquito pools in August.
“As Health Officer I think it’s important that the community know that West Nile Virus transmission is possible in our area and to take preventative measures to keep from being bitten by mosquitos,” Dick added.
Here are the county’s recommendations for avoiding mosquito bites:
- Wear proper clothing and repellent if going outdoors when mosquitos are active, especially in the early morning and evening.
- Use repellants containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535, which are the best when used 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.
- 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.
- Vaccinate your horses for WNV.
