One case of West Nile virus has been reported in the Carson City-Douglas County area

RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – Officials from Carson City and Douglas County report the first known West Nile virus infection in 2018.

The person who contracted the disease had the least severe form of the disease, said the Carson City Health and Social Services Department and the Douglas County Mosquito Mitigation in a statement on September 6, 2018.

They did not publish any other information about who was infected or how.
West Nile virus spreads to humans through mosquito bites. Mosquitoes receive the virus by feeding on infected birds, the agency noted.

The first case of West Nile virus in Lyon County was reported on August 18, 2018.

On July 25, 2018, Washoe County reported that mosquitoes were collected from Damonte Ranch and Hidden Drive Meadows. No cases of West Nile virus have been reported in humans in 2018.

Agencies have indicated that the best way to avoid the disease is to avoid being bitten by a mosquito.
They also convey these tips:

• Use insect repellents when going outside. Repellents containing DEET, picaridine, IR3535 and lemon eucalyptus oil and para- menthane-diol products provide more durable protection. More information on insect repellents can be found here.
• When time permits, wear long sleeves, long pants and socks outdoors. Mosquitoes can bite themselves in fine clothes. Spraying clothing containing an insect repellent containing permethrin or another insect repellent approved by the EPA will provide additional protection. Do not apply repellents containing permethrin directly to the skin. Do not spray repellent on skin under your clothes.
• Take extra precautions during peak mosquito bites. Take extra precautions to use repellent and protective clothing from dusk to dawn or avoid outdoor activities during these times.
• Protect your home against mosquitoes. Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out. Use your air conditioning, if you have one. Empty stagnant water from flower pots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water plates, discarded tires and bird baths.

Environmental health specialists from CCHHS and DCMA staff regularly investigate known mosquito breeding sources and trap them to identify them. In addition to West Nile virus, mosquitoes are also tested for western equine encephalitis and St. Louis encephalitis.