West Nile Virus Found In Oklahoma County Mosquito Population

By Vanessa Prado

The Oklahoma City-Council Health Department has confirmed one case of West Nile virus in the mosquito population in Oklahoma County.

No human cases have been reported in Oklahoma County, two have been confirmed statewide.

OCCHD is advising residents to take precaution by avoiding mosquito bites and eliminating habitats where mosquitoes may live and breed.

8/22/2014 Related Story: Oklahoma Man Diagnosed With West Nile 10 Years Ago

Tips to avoid mosquito bites:

• Be cautious during the hours between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
• If you're heading outside, wear long sleeves with cuffs and long pants tucked into your socks.
• Use an insect repellant containing DEET if any skin is exposed.
• Check your home regularly for water accumulation that could provide mosquito breeding grounds and drain what you can.
• Use microbial larvicides to kill mosquito larvae in water that cannot be drained.

Click here to file a complaint about mosquito habitats in your area.

More information on the West Nile virus at the Oklahoma City-Council Health Department or the Oklahoma State Department of Health's West Nile Virus website.