Oklahoma Health Department detects West Nile virus pools in two counties
Authorities say multiple weeks of detection in two different counties is an indicator that West Nile virus activity is present in Oklahoma
Authorities say multiple weeks of detection in two different counties is an indicator that West Nile virus activity is present in Oklahoma
Authorities say multiple weeks of detection in two different counties is an indicator that West Nile virus activity is present in Oklahoma
The Oklahoma State Department of Health says it has detected positive West Nile virus pools in two counties in the eastern part of the state.
| MORE | OSDH reports first West Nile virus case, death of 2022 in central Oklahoma resident
Health officials said the department's Mosquito Surveillance Program detected the pools in Muskogee and Le Flore counties. Multiple weeks of detection in two different counties is an indicator that West Nile virus activity is present in Oklahoma, according to a news release.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health also was recently notified of a West Nile virus infection detected through blood-donor screening in a person living in east-central Oklahoma, authorities said.
In June, the health department reported the first human case and death in 2022 caused by the West Nile virus in a central Oklahoma resident. Health officials said the patient was hospitalized before dying.
The West Nile virus spreads through an infected mosquito's bite. State health leaders said in Oklahoma, the virus is primarily spread by the Culex mosquito, which feeds on infected birds and spreads the virus to humans, horses and other mammals.
The Culex mosquito population increases during the mid-to-late summer, when temperatures are high and the weather pattern is dry, the news release said.
"We wanted to share this information to make Oklahomans aware that WNV is in the state," State Epidemiologist Jolianne Stone said in the news release. "With current temperatures in Oklahoma, we know people are participating in outdoor activities which leads to increased opportunities for encountering infected mosquitoes."
Health officials remind people to take the below precautions to prevent mosquito bites.
- Use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 on exposed skin and clothing when going outdoors, particularly between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are more likely to bite. Insect repellent with permethrin should be used on clothing only.
- Repair or install window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of the home.
- Prevent items such as buckets, cans, pool covers, flowerpots, children’s toys and tires from holding water to prevent providing mosquitoes a place to breed.
- Empty a pet’s outdoor water bowl and refill daily.
- Scrub and refill bird baths every three days.
- Clean leaves and debris from rain gutters regularly to ensure they are not clogged.
Symptoms of West Nile virus include a sudden fever, headache, dizziness or muscle weakness. Recovery usually happens within one to three weeks.
Click here for more information about the West Nile virus.
Note: The video in the player above is from previous coverage.