West Nile Virus detected in Washoe mosquitos
Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) has detected West Nile Virus (WNV) in mosquito samples in Washoe County and is urging residents to take certain precautions when recreating in areas with known mosquito habitats.
So far this season, NNPH’s mosquito surveillance activities have found WNV in mosquito samples in the 89436 and 89521 ZIP codes. It is common for mosquitos to have WNV, and NNPH regularly sends samples to the Nevada State Laboratory for surveillance purposes.
No human cases of the virus have been reported in Washoe County.
WNV can be transmitted to humans and can lead to headache, high fever, stiff neck, disorientation, coma, tremors, paralysis, and death. Find more information at this link.
NNPH is urging the community to take protective measures when recreating near water, such as wearing loose-fitting clothing (pants and long-sleeved shirts), using insect repellant, and understanding that mosquitos are most active during morning and evening hours. Additionally, the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses can be lessened by removing any standing water near homes and installing protective screens on doors and windows.
Clark County has reported multiple cases of WNV in humans, after finding thousands of mosquitos testing positive for the virus.