TULSA -- A sample of mosquitoes from a trap in Tulsa County has tested positive for West Nile Virus, health department officials said.
Officials say that the months of July through October typically carry the highest risk of exposure to the virus in Oklahoma. There have been no confirmed cases of WNV in humans in Tulsa County so far this year.
“Our mosquito surveillance program is attentive when testing for West Nile virus,” said Bernard Dindy, Tulsa Health Department environmental health services program manager. “We are proactive when it comes to controlling the mosquito population by killing the eggs before they become adults. We regularly test 25-30 unique locations weekly, and once a positive sample is identified we are readily available to begin an aggressive mosquito control methods in the area which includes informing the public so they can protect themselves.”
The virus spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, headache, dizziness and muscle weakness. Long-lasting complications include difficulty concentrating, migraine headaches, extreme muscle weakness and tremors and paralysis of a limb.
Anyone who experiences symptoms after suffering mosquito bites within the previous two weeks should contact a health care provider.
To place a complaint about mosquitoes in your area, call the health department at 918-595-4219.
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