Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus — EASTVALE

While Zika virus is also primarily transmitted through the bite of a mosquito, the primary type of mosquito that carries Zika virus, Aedes aegypti, is different and is rarely found in IL.

Nebraska reported 68 human cases of West Nile virus and two deaths previous year.

A Loveland resident was infected with the virus in May, according to the Colorado Department of Health and Environment. The test involves testing number of mosquitoes, the species and to know whether they carry the West Nile virus.

The state health department issued a news release on Thursday stating a person in Pittsburg County has contracted the virus. However, just because Zika-carrying mosquitoes can inhabit a certain area, this does not ensure that the virus will follow.

“There seems to be quite a lot of ticks this year”, she said. “It usually comes out in late July to early August”.

The mosquito most common for transmitting the virus is the Culex Tarsalis.

Mosquito season in Southern California generally spans the months of May to October. Less than 1 percent of people will develop a serious illness like encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain and surrounding tissues). However, four out of five people infected with West Nile virus will not show any symptoms. A rash on the trunk of the body may be noticed. Basically any place where there is stale, standing water, which includes: plastic containers, pool covers, wading pools, ceramic pots, clogged drainpipes, and wheelbarrows. If symptoms are severe, health officials say to contact your doctor immediately.

Of particular concern is the danger Zika infection poses during pregnancy.

A couple products that Richardson County Emergency Management also recommends to use is “Mosquito Dunks Biological Mosquito Control” and “Sun Joe Super Garlic Defense Organic Mosquito and Pest Repellent”. For travel updates, visit www.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-travel-information. The most vulnerable people are those who are at least 50 or have weakened immune systems.

“The Zika virus is not in Oklahoma yet; we’re watching to see if it migrates north”, said Bergner.

DHHS started its West Nile virus surveillance at the beginning of June.