OKC-County Health Confirms Two Human Cases Of West Nile Virus

The Oklahoma City-County Health Department has confirmed two human cases of the West Nile Virus (WNV) and two positive mosquito samples in Oklahoma County. That brings the total up to seven human cases in Oklahoma County  with no deaths this year. 

“We have had numerous positive tests for the presence of the virus in the mosquito population and the actual  numbers of mosquitoes trapped and tested has increased a lot this year,”  said Phil Maytubby, Public Health Protection Director.  “Human cases of West Nile Virus remain low and hopefully we will be out of mosquito season soon.”

Maytubby said the municipalities and OKC-County Health Consumer Protection staff have focused on mitigation strategies such as larvacide application and habitat reduction to help reduce the mosquito population. This has proven to be effective in reducing the numbers of mosquitoes in specific areas.

Although we are entering what is considered the end of WNV mosquito season, health officials remind residents to take extra precaution against the mosquito-borne illness by avoiding mosquito bites and reducing habitats where mosquitoes live and breed.

To reduce mosquito habitats: Prevent items such as buckets, cans, pool covers, flower pots, and tires from holding standing water. Empty and refill birdbaths and your pet’s outdoor water bowl daily.

For standing water sources that cannot be drained, OCCHD recommends microbial larvicides that kill mosquito larvae before they emerge as adults. Use of larvicides can reduce or eliminate the need for ground or aerial application of pesticides to kill adult mosquitoes. They are available at hardware or home improvement stores.

Be sure to protect your home from invading mosquitos by keeping window and door screens in good repair.

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 say to contact your doctor immediately.

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