West Nile virus detected in Morrow County
By Griffin Beach on Thursday, July 23rd, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
BOARDMAN –West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes at three different test sites in Morrow County.
Greg Barron, manager of the North Morrow Vector Control District, confirmed these are the first positive tests for the disease in mosquitoes in the county this year.
Officials are advising Morrow County residents to take precautions against mosquitoes and prevent bites, which is how the disease spreads to humans.
Most infected people show little or no signs of the disease, and most cases are mild with fever and flu-like symptoms. Severe infections can cause inflammation of the brain and death, though health officials noted such cases are rare.
Individuals spending significant time outdoors, particularly near standing water, face an increased risk of infection.
“Although mosquitoes are an inevitable part of summer and fall, mosquito bites don’t have to be — they are preventable,” said Emilio DeBess, a public health veterinarian with the Oregon Health Authority.
DeBess offers several tips for protection against mosquito bites:
- Eliminate sources of standing water such as watering troughs, bird baths, ornamental ponds, buckets, wading and swimming pools not in use, and old tires.
- Use mosquito repellent, especially at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants in mosquito-infested areas.
- Make sure screen doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly.
