West Nile Virus Detected in Additional Mosquitoes in Union County

UNION COUNTY – (Release from Union County Vector Control) Two more pools of mosquitoes have tested positive in Union County, as well as one positive pool on the Baker County side of North Powder. Union County Vector Control has now detected WNv in the following areas: Imbler, Union, Elgin, and North Powder. Although the number of mosquitoes is very low now, the prevalence of WNv is high in the Imbler area.

Health officials are advising people in Union County to take precautions against mosquitoes to avoid the risk of infection, including preventing mosquito bites. West Nile virus is spread from birds to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most infected people will show little or no signs of disease.

Union County Vector Control offers these tips for protecting yourself against mosquitoes:

• Eliminate sources of standing water that are a breeding ground for mosquitoes, including watering troughs, bird baths, ornamental ponds, buckets, wading and swimming pools not in use, and old tires.
• When engaged in outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, protect yourself by using mosquito repellants containing DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus or Picardin, and follow the directions on the container.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants in mosquito-infested areas.
• Make sure screen doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly.

Additional information about West Nile virus:

Oregon Health Authority website:

http://public.health.oregon.gov/DiseasesConditions/DiseasesAZ/WestNileVirus/Pages/survey.aspx

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/ index.html

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Elkhorn Media Group