Three Additional West Nile Virus Pools Reported in Mosquitos in Malheur County for 2025

By on Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories

MALHEUR COUNTY (Released from the Malheur County Health Department)-West Nile virus (WNv) has been detected in mosquitoes at a testing site in Malheur County according to Malheur County Vector Control. The samples were collected from Vale and between Vale and Ontario.

Health officials are advising people in Malheur County to take precautions against mosquitoes to avoid the risk of infection, including preventing mosquito bites. West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Communities and individuals living in or spending significant time outdoors, particularly near irrigated land, waterways, standing water, and used tires, including those working in agriculture, such as migrant and seasonal farm workers—may be at increased risk of mosquito bites and related diseases.

It is important that you contact your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms of fever, weakness, and mental confusion.  Neuroinvasive diseases are especially of concern to people 50 and older, people with immune-compromising conditions, and people with diabetes or high blood pressure. People should consult their health care providers if they have these symptoms. Health care providers can contact the Malheur County Health Department for information on West Nile virus testing.

Emilio DeBess, public health veterinarian 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 repellents containing DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus or Picaridin, 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.

The virus also affects wildlife and domesticated and farm animals. Horse owners should get their horses vaccinated for WNv. Horses with neurologic disease should be examined by a veterinarian. West Nile testing is available at Oregon State University.

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:

https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html

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