Tulsa Health Department Urges Precautions Against West Nile Virus

The CDC is urging people to protect themselves from mosquito bites as the West Nile virus circulates the country.

Health experts say July to October are the highest risk months for West Nile virus in Oklahoma.

The Tulsa Health Department starts monitoring mosquitoes for diseases in late April or May by placing traps in different locations across Tulsa County to collect and test samples weekly. 

Michael Morrison is the Vector Control Coordinator at THD and says they’ve captured around 21,000 mosquitoes. 

He says you can prevent or protect yourself from mosquitoes by removing standing water from buckets, cans, and tires; using insect repellent with DEET; wearing long-sleeved, light-colored clothing, and maintaining window and door screens. 

Morrison says they've had three traps of mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus which he considers a mild amount.

“To put that in perspective, last year we had 11 in one week. So, we’re having a fairly good year as far as not having a problem with West Nile in our mosquito populations,” Morrison said. 

Morrison says you can call the health department to schedule an appointment if you need your home to be tested for mosquitoes.