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RENO, NV (KOLO) – Mosquitoes caught in the Hidden Valley and Rosewood Lake areas tested positive for West Nile virus, the Washoe District Health Department said Wednesday. No human cases have been reported.
The Department of Health will carry out early morning insect misting in the Hidden Valley and Rosewood Lakes areas.
Individuals are encouraged to report nocturnal mosquito activities to the Department of Health at 775-328-2434.
The virus is most often transmitted by mosquito bites. Four out of five people with the virus do not develop any symptoms, said the Ministry of Health. About one in five people infected with the virus have mild symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rashes. Most people with this type of illness are completely cured, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.
About 1 in every 150 infected people contract a serious disease of the central nervous system, such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord).
The Ministry of Health recommends people wear appropriate clothing and insect repellent when they go out early in the morning or in the early evening when mosquitoes are most active. These repellents are safe: DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, eucalyptus lemon oil (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD) and 2-undecanone.
Other health department advice:
- Make sure your doors and windows have mosquito nets snug to prevent mosquitoes. Repair or replace torn or cracked screens.
- Free areas around your home from any insulated water that could become breeding ground for mosquitoes, including small puddles, pools, planters, sandboxes, trolleys or toys, under and around faucets, as well as saucers and bowls for pets; and
- Vaccinate horses against WNV.
For more information on WNV, visit the Washeo County Health District Vector Control Program website.
Additional prevention tips are available on the CDC Prevent Mosquito Bites webpage.
Copyright KOLO-TV 2019
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