The Washoe County Health District announced today that that a mosquito sample in Reno tested positive for West Nile Virus.
It is the first positive test for the virus in the Truckee Meadows in 2015.
The Health District going to to begin fogging in the South Meadows, where the sample was found, tomorrow, August 4, 2015.
“This is typically the time we begin seeing West Nile Virus in the area,” said Washoe County Health District Communications Manager Phil Ulibarri. “The weather has been particularly hot and humid offering prime breeding factors for mosquitoes.”
West Nile Virus is a vector-borne illness, transmitted by mosquito bite. West Nile Virus can result in death in vulnerable populations: the young, old and those with compromised immune systems.
The County sent the following list on 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.
Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep mosquitoes 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 horses for WNV.
