TULSA COUNTY, Okla. — The Tulsa Health Department confirmed Thursday that a sample of mosquitoes from a trap in Tulsa County tested positive for West Nile virus.
So far this year, there have been no confirmed cases of the virus in humans in Tulsa County, according to THD officials.
Health experts recommend using insect repellent with deet to protect yourself.
West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, officials said. Symptoms of the virus include fever, headache, dizziness and muscle weakness.
There have been human cases of West Nile virus disease in Tulsa County every year since 2003, unfortunately, some of those people have died of the illness. It is important to take steps to prevent mosquitos from biting you and your family. Prevention is easy with these steps.
Officials recommend the following precautions to take against mosquito bites:
- Dump and drain items such as buckets, cans, pool covers, flower pots, and tires from holding standing water so mosquitoes don’t have a place to breed.
- Use an insect repellent containing DEET or other CDC approved repellents on exposed skin and clothing when you go outdoors, particularly if you are outside between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are more likely to bite. (Insect repellent with permethrin should be used on clothing only.)
- Repair or install window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
- Encourage your friends and neighbors to dump and drain and to use repellents.
- Clean leaves and debris from rain gutters regularly to ensure they are not clogged.
To report mosquitoes in your area or to report standing or stagnant water in your area, please call 918-582-9355 or submit an online environmental complaint form on the THD's website.
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