OK County Health Dept. Confirms Multiple Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile

The Oklahoma City-County Health Department experts have confirmed five positive mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus in Oklahoma County. 

Residents need to take extra precautions against the mosquito-borne illness by avoiding mosquito bites and reducing habitats where mosquitoes live and breed.

“Getting rid of any sources of stagnant water will certainly help,” said OCCHD Public Health Protection Director, Phil Maytubby. 

Some basic ways to reduce mosquito habitats are empty buckets, flower pots, wheelbarrows and old tires from holding standing water.  Also emptying and refilling birdbaths and pets’ outdoor water bowl daily. 

For standing water sources that can’t be drained, OCCHD recommends microbial larvicides, also known as “dunks” that kill mosquito larvae before they emerge as adults. 

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

These are available at hardware or home improvement stores. 

West Nile symptoms include fever, headache, body ache, and sometimes a rash. The most susceptible to the illness include infants, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

If symptoms are severe, health officials say to contact your doctor immediately.

Learn more on terms and types of West Nile infections.