No West Nile cases in Douglas, yet

Not one case of West Nile virus has been diagnosed in Douglas County this year, according to information from the Nevada State Health Division.

All mosquito pools have tested negative locally and Ron Lynch of Douglas County mosquito control, feels this year's dry weather has helped, he said.

"Most (mosquito) traps have between six and 10 mosquitoes. I think that's low," Lynch said. "We haven't fogged any neighborhoods with the exception of individual requests and that's way down from last year.

"We still have standing water and we're still treating it," he said. "Anytime the amount of standing water is reduced that helps, but you can't relax. That's when you're going to get hit."

Just one bird from Churchill County and one mosquito pool from Elko have tested positive this year. One human case has been diagnosed in Clark County, the less severe form, according to Martha Framsted, spokeswoman for the health division.

"If you look back at the 2006 season there were eight human cases in July, but 60 in August," she said. "We're hopeful that we don't have as severe a season, but we still want people to be good about preventive measures."

Elimination of breeding sites around homes, use of mosquito repellent and installation or repair of window and door screens are recommended to reduce the number of infections, according to information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.

West Nile virus follows a seasonal pattern that begins in late spring, with the peak time for infection occurring in late summer and early fall.

The disease is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. A record 124 human cases were confirmed in Nevada in 2006, up dramatically from the previous year when just 30 cases were reported, according to figures from the health division.

Most human infections are mild, causing fever, headache and body aches, often accompanied by a skin rash and swollen lymph glands. If the virus crosses the blood-brain barrier it can cause life-threatening conditions that include inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, according to information from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in Bethesda, Md.

Most people recover from West Nile virus without treatment. Even those who develop encephalitis or meningitis may only need supportive therapy with intravenous fluids and pain relievers.

County efforts to eradicate mosquitoes are important, but just part of the solution.

Residents play an important role in controlling the spread of West Nile by destroying any breeding sites around their homes.

Susie Vasquez can be reached at svasquez@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 211.

BREAKOUT

Water following is a set of guidelines concerning the eradication of water around homes, published by the Environmental Protection Agency.

• Eliminate standing water in rain gutters, old tires, buckets, plastic covers, toys, or any other container where mosquitoes can breed.

• Empty and change water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted plant trays at least once a week to destroy potential mosquito habitats.

• Drain any pools of water, or fill them with dirt.

• Keep swimming pool water treated and circulating.