West Nile Detected

Malheur County residents the Vector Control has detected West Nile in a pool of mosquitoes caught in a live trap in between Vale and Ontario, Oregon.

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. Most infected people will show little or no signs of disease. 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.

Tips for protecting yourself against mosqutioes:

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.

While risk of West Nile disease is low, a handful of people get it each year in Oregon. The virus also affects wildlife and domesticated and farm animals.

Vector Control District of Malheur County

Vector Control of Malheur County is here to monitor the presence of the West Nile Virus in thee Culex mosquitoes. Once the virus is detected, then the Vector Control will apply pesticides to the proven affected areas as well as continue to monitor for the virus. However until the virus is detected, we will focus our effort on applying larvacides and testing the culex population for the West Nile Virus.

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