Washoe Health Authorities Say West Nile Case Probably Been Acquired Locally

RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – According to the Washoe Health District, a resident of the South Meadows area tested positive for West Nile virus. This is the first human case this year in Washoe County that would have been acquired locally. Health officials say that it is the least serious non-neuroinvasive type.

The announcement follows positive test reports of mosquito samples from areas of Damonte Ranch and the hidden valley in late July.

"This year we were fortunate to see less activity from West Nile virus, but people still need to take precautions when they are outside," said Kevin Dick, District Health Officer Washoe. "Even though we monitor the activity of mosquitoes, carry out treatments against larvicides and fog areas of known activity, this reminds us that people must be vigilant and take personal measures to avoid getting caught sting by mosquitoes, "Dick said. The health official adds that because different types of mosquitoes bite at different times, the CDC has modified its recommendations to include:

"People should use an insect repellent every time they go out, because mosquitoes can bite day and night, depending on their location and type."

Updated CDC information can be found here.

The health district mistens areas where mosquito activity is known. Health officials stress the importance of taking precautions, as suggested by the CDC, to prevent mosquitoes from biting. In addition to using a repellent, people should remember to:

Wear appropriate clothing and repellents if you venture into mosquito-prone areas, especially early in the morning and evening in Washoe County. Remember that mosquitoes can bite during the day and at night.
Make sure your doors and windows have well-fitting screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.
Clean stagnant water and any objects from home environments that may be potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes, including puddles, ponds, planters, sandboxes, trolleys or toys, under faucets,
Vaccinate your horses for the VNO.

The Washoe County Health District Communicable Disease Control Program reviews all reported cases of diseases such as WNV. Health care providers should consider WNV infection as a diagnosis in sick patients who have recently had mosquito bites. Symptoms may include fever, headache, body aches, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. People with more serious infections may have high fever, headache, stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures, paralysis, and death. In humans, the virus has an incubation period of three to ten days.

Residents can report mosquito activity to the health district at 785-4599 or 328-2434. More information on WNV and the vector-borne disease prevention program of the Washoe County Health District is available.