Mosquito caution urged after two West Nile Virus cases in Washoe County

WASHOE COUNTY, Nev. — A second person has tested positive for West Nile Virus in Washoe County, health officials confirmed Tuesday.

The individual, who lives in the Rosewood Lakes area of Reno, was hospitalized for several days with the neuroinvasive form of WNV, according to the Washoe County Health District.

District Communications Manager Phil Ulibarri said the individual exhibited typical symptoms of infection, namely a high fever (103 degrees Fahrenheit), headache, stiff neck, muscle and joint pain, and a history of mosquito bites.

Lab tests confirmed the virus after the patient was released from the hospital.

The first Washoe patient was reportedly diagnosed August 28.

The announcements coincide with news of a horse in Washoe Valley being infected by WNV, highlighting the need for people to protect themselves from being bitten by mosquitos, Ulibarri stressed.

The Washoe County Health District Vector Borne Disease Prevention Program will be conducting fogging in areas where know mosquito activity is present, and helicopter larviciding is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 3.

While there doesn’t appear to be a threat of an outbreak — or of any worry for the Lake Tahoe region — health officials are urging people taking precautions to keep mosquitos from biting.

How to avoid mosquito bites

Wear proper clothing and repellent if going outdoors when mosquitos are active, especially in the early morning and evening.

Use repellants containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 which are the best when used according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitos from biting you. DEET can be used safely on infants and children 2 months of age and older.

Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep mosquitos out. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.

Clear standing water and any items from around homes that can be potential mosquito breeding-grounds, including small puddles, pools, planters, children’s sandboxes, wagons or toys, underneath and around faucets, as well as plant saucers and pet bowls.

Vaccinate your horses for WNV.

More information on WNV and the WCHD’s Vector-Borne Disease Prevention Program can be found at http://bit.ly/1SCOM2g.