West Nile Virus Detected in Additional Mosquitoes in Union County

UNION, OR —Three more mosquito pools have tested positive for West Nile virus in Union County. Two of the pools came from the same area in Imbler, while the third was from a trap in the city of Union. This makes for five positive mosquito pools in the Imbler area and one in Union.

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.htm

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Elkhorn Media Group