West Nile Virus found in Churchill County

Routine testing conducted by the Nevada Department of Agriculture and the Churchill County Mosquito & Noxious Weed Abatement District found three positive mosquito pools in Churchill County for West Nile Virus.

The Churchill County Mosquito Vector and Weed Abatement District has fogged the affected areas over the past week and will continue to treat and test these areas. Contact the district at 775-423-2828 for details.

West Nile virus can be transmitted to humans from the bite of infected mosquitoes and make people sick. Individuals should protect themselves by applying insect repellant contacting DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus; wearing loose, long-sleeved light-colored shirt and pants; and avoiding the areas containing infected mosquitoes at dusk and dawn when the insects are most active.

If individuals are bitten by a mosquito and develop flu-like symptoms within 14 days, they should see their doctor immediately.

Removing standing water in troughs, gutters, barrels, pans and the like further reduces conditions favorable to mosquito breeding.

Horse owners are urged to vaccinate their animals against the disease which can cause severe illness in a horse’s brain, spinal cord and nervous system.

“Vaccination and reducing exposure are the best protection horse owners have for their animals,” said Dr. J.J. Goicoechea, director of the Nevada Department of Agriculture. “Vaccinations are very effective in protecting horses from West Nile Virus.”

West Nile Virus has been present in Nevada for the past 20 years and is especially prevalent following wet winters. For information on West Nile Virus, visit the Centers for Disease Control or the Nevada Department of Agriculture.