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Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) officials announce today that mosquitoes found in an area southwest ofFlagstaff have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). This is the first positive WNV test in Coconino County this year. No human cases have been reported in Coconino County in 2011. Two human case of WNV were reported in 2010 and 1 case in 2009.
Larvicide treatment of the water pools in the affected area, in addition to cooler night temperatures, has resulted in a reduction of mosquitoes. CCPHSD staff will continue trapping and testing mosquitoes in areas where there is mosquito activity until colder weather returns.
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause symptoms in humans ranging from mild flu-like symptoms to severe neurological symptoms. However, in most infected people there are no symptoms at all.
Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn, so it is advisable to stay indoors during these times, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors, and use mosquito repellent.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, products containing these active ingredients typically provide reasonably long-lasting protection: § DEET § Picaridin § Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or PMD -the synthesized version of oil of lemon eucalyptus § IR3535
Be sure to follow the directions on the label of the repellent. Additional information on repellents is available at http://cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/Repellentupdates.htm. |
