Two Cases Of West Nile Virus Have Been Reported In Valley County

Valley County Health Department has confirmed two cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Valley County. The virus, which is primarily spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, can cause severe illness in humans, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems, the elderly and those with chronic conditions.

The Valley County Weed and Mosquito District is actively monitoring mosquito populations across the county. Mosquitoes are being tested weekly from both the east end of Glasgow and west end of Glasgow to identify potential carriers of the virus.

Mosquito Testing Results:

East End of Glasgow: Out of 2,644 mosquitoes tested, 10 (0.04 percent) were identified as Culex, the mosquito species known to transmit West Nile Virus.

West End Of Glasgow: Out of 1,162 mosquitoes tested, 2 (0.2 percent) were identified as Culex.

The Culex mosquitoes identified in these areas were tested to determine if they are carrying the West Nile virus. On Sept. 12, it was reported the tested mosquitoes were negative for West Nile. As a result of low numbers in the traps, final samples were shipped to Carroll College for testing.

In response to the detection of Culex mosquitoes and the confirmed West Nile Virus cases, the Valley County Weed and Mosquito District is ramping up its mosquito control efforts, including increased spraying before events and in high-risk areas. Residents may notice additional spraying operations, particularly in areas where mosquitoes are more prominent.

The best way to prevent WNV infection is to prevent getting bitten by mosquitoes. You can take steps to minimize your possibility of encountering WNV (and sometimes mosquitoes!) by remembering the 4Ds of WNV Prevention:

DRESS: Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time or when mosquitoes are most active. Clothing should be light colored and made of tightly woven materials to keep mosquitoes away from the skin.

DRAIN: Reduce the amount of standing water in or near your property by draining and/or removing it. Mosquitoes may lay eggs in areas with standing water. Necessary standing water should be changed (e.g. birdbath), moved (e.g. adding a fountain to a pond), or covered (e.g. putting a mesh screen over a water barrel).

DEET: For additional protection from mosquitoes, use an insect repellent containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) or picaridin (KBR 3023). Other insect repellents such as oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are also registered by the EPA but may be less effective than products containing DEET. It is important to follow the product guidelines when using insect repellent.

DAWN/DUSK: Whenever possible, avoid spending time outside at dawn and dusk. This is when the mosquitoes that spread WNV are most likely to bite. If you keep windows open in your home, make sure that you are using well-fitting screens without holes or tears, to prevent mosquitoes from coming inside.

For more information on West Nile Virus and how to protect yourself, visit http://www.cdc.gov/west-nile-virus/about/index.html or contact the Valley County Health Department, 406-228-6261.