Health Department Confirm One New West Nile Virus Case In Oklahoma Co.

The Oklahoma City-County Health Department experts confirm one additional case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Oklahoma County. That brings the total up to five human cases with no deaths this year. 

In 2014, there was only one case of WNV, according to the Health Department.

Health officials said residents should take extra precaution against the mosquito-borne illness by avoiding mosquito bites and reducing habitats where mosquitoes live and breed.  Getting rid of any sources of standing is one of the best measures against WNV as stagnant water is where mosquito larvae can grow.

9/17/2015 Related Story: Oklahoma Has 3rd Death Of Year Due To West Nile Virus

Here is a simple way to remember how to “Fight the Bite” using the 4 D’s of mosquito safety:

1.            DRAIN standing water on your property so mosquitoes won’t breed

2.            Use insect repellant that contains DEET on your clothes

3.            Stay indoors at DUSK and DAWN when mosquitos are most prevalent

4.            DRESS in long sleeves and pants and spray repellant on your clothes.

West Nile symptoms include fever, headache, body ache, and sometimes a rash. The most susceptible to the illness include infants and the elderly. If symptoms are severe, health officials said to contact your doctor immediately.

For more information on terms and different types of West Nile Virus infections.