WINNEMUCCA — West Nile virus was recently identified in Humboldt County in a Winnemucca trap site by the county’s contract mosquito/black fly management team.
Abatement crews responded with enhanced fogging to reduce the number of adult mosquitos in the area; efforts to kill mosquito larvae in standing water also continue.
Follow-up testing has not yielded any more positive results, including the trap that showed West Nile virus.
Humboldt County Health Officer Charles Stringham said that’s good news, especially since no human cases of the virus have been identified locally, but he said residents should still undertake important precautions to limit their interaction with mosquitos.
“If you’re going to be outside, especially from dusk to dawn, wear light-colored long-sleeved shirts, pants and socks, use mosquito repellant and avoid water, especially pooled water,” he said.
Dr. Stringham said it’s important to stay alert, but not alarmed. “No one should be scared, but it really helps if everyone is cautious, because that helps us reduce risk.”
West Nile virus is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes then spread West Nile virus to people and other animals by biting them.
Dr. Stringham asked residents to report dead birds to Nevada Division of Agriculture authorities, as that may be a sign that West Nile Virus is circulating between birds and mosquitoes in the area.
So far in 2023, 34 states are reporting human West Nile disease cases; Nevada has not identified any human cases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that most people (4 out of 5) who become infected with West Nile virus will not develop any symptoms.
About 1 in 5 people who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Less than 1% of people who are infected will develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain tissues).
Those who suspect they may have contracted West Nile virus should seek medical advice. In severe cases, patients may need to be hospitalized to receive supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids, pain medication and nursing care.
For additional resources on West Nile virus, please visit the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.