Second mosquito pool positive for West Nile virus in Grayson County

He tested positive for West Nile. 8, 493 total cases of the virus in the country were reported, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A 57-year-old Novato man has contracted West Nile virus, the first Marin resident to be diagnosed with the disease since 2013.

The virus is spread through the bite of the Culex mosquito, which feeds on infected birds and transmits the virus to humans and other mammals.

The Grayson County Health Department announced Wednesday, a mosquito collected in a trap set on September 4th on Elm Street, tested positive for the virus.

Even though this is the first confirmed instance of West Nile Virus, state epidemiologist Benjamin Chan has a warning. Most mosquito control is done when the insects are in the water in their larval form, district officials said. There may be a reason why.

Nonetheless the episode led the DGS to recommend that authorities reinforce their mosquito-fighting mechanisms as well as telling the population to reduce body exposure to the pest, by using repellents and nets.

Take precautions to develop methods to repel mosquitoes from biting your horse. Thus far this year, six human cases have been reported (only three cases were reported statewide last year), but Nevada has seen cases every year since 2003.

Although a specific treatment or vaccine has not yet been developed to combat West Nile Virus, it can be cured through antiviral medications and pain relievers.

Regional health authorities also stepped up their fight against mosquito larvae, particularly in water tanks with organic materials.

People are encouraged to use a mosquito repellant that contains 30 percent DEET, wearing long sleeves and trousers at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, and removing standing water from around homes so mosquitoes do not have a place to breed.

For more information about the West Nile Virus, visit www.co.chautauqua.ny.us/559/West-Nile-VirusEEE or contact the Division of Public Health Environmental Health Unit at 753-4481.