Washoe County Health District announced today that the first positive samples in 2018 of West Nile virus were detected in the Reno area.
“We expected to see West Nile Virus in the area because of the substantial moisture from our spring-time precipitation and the recent and ongoing heatwave,” said Washoe County Health District Communications Manager Phil Ulibarri. “When the weather is hot and humid it presents perfect breeding factors for mosquitos.”
Mosquito samples from the Damonte Ranch and Hidden Valley areas tested positive for the virus.
Mosquitoes are West Nile vectors, so avoiding mosquito bites is the best way to prevent transmission of the virus.
- Wear proper clothing and repellent if going outdoors when mosquitos are most active — in the early morning and evening
- Use a repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 according to label instructions
- Make sure that 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 a 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, and,
- Vaccinate horses for WNV.
About 1 out of 150 infected people with West Nile virus develop a serious, occasionally fatal, illness, according to the CDC.
