Owasso mosquitos test positive for West Nile virus, Tulsa Health Department reports
Tulsa Health Department officials on Friday confirmed that a sample of mosquitoes from a trap in Owasso has tested positive for West Nile virus. A sample of mosquitoes from a trap in Owasso, Tulsa, has tested positive for West Nile virus, confirmed by the Tulsa Health Department. The trap is located in an area between 86th and 96th Streets North and between Garnett Road and 129th East Avenue. The Health Department began setting mosquito traps weekly in various locations throughout Tulsa County in early May. The objective of this surveillance is to detect the presence of mosquitoes, determine their species and abundance, make a risk assessment, and provide a basis for control. West Nile Virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, which feeds on infected birds and transmits the virus when it bites humans, horses and other mammals.
Pubblicato : 11 mesi fa di From Staff Reports, from staff reports in Health
A sample of mosquitoes from a trap in Owasso has tested positive for West Nile virus, Tulsa Health Department officials confirmed on Friday.
The trap is located in an area between 86th and 96th Streets North and between Garnett Road and 129th East Avenue, according to THD’s interactive data webpage .
In early May the Health Department began setting mosquito traps weekly in various locations throughout Tulsa County. It is collecting and testing the samples collected for the presence of mosquito-borne illnesses.
The objective of the surveillance is to detect the presence of mosquitoes, determine their species and abundance, make a risk assessment, and provide a basis for control, which includes larviciding and spraying when necessary.
“Our mosquito control program recognizes the importance of preventing mosquito-borne illness by educating the public on bite prevention, dumping any standing water and identifying areas of concern,” THD vector control coordinator Michael Morrison said in a news release. “THD is prepared to act in the affected areas as soon as weather conditions allow.”
West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, which feeds on infected birds and then transmits the virus when biting humans, horses and other mammals. Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, headache, dizziness and muscle weakness.
Precautions to take against mosquito bites are the following:
Dump and drain items such as buckets, cans, pool covers, flowerpots and tires from holding standing water so mosquitoes don’t have a place to breed.
Use an insect repellent containing DEET or other CDC-approved repellents on exposed skin and clothing when outdoors, particularly if outside between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are more likely to bite. To place a complaint about mosquitoes or to report standing or stagnant water, call 918-582-9355 or submit an online environmental complaint form on the THD website at tulsa-health.org .