West Nile Virus found in Minden

Two mosquito traps near Minden have tested positive for the West Nile Virus.

One site is north of Highway 395 and west of Buckeye Road, and the other is west of Highway 395 and north of Muller Lane.

Douglas County Mosquito Abatement District Manager Krista Jenkins said the district plans to fog near Winhaven at 10 p.m. Thursday.

On Friday, the area behind the Judicial & Law Enforcement Building will be fogged starting at 6 a.m.

Jenkins said the district will announce when it will fog the area near Muller Lane.

“This is an indication that there is the presence of the West Nile Virus in the Carson Valley,” she said. “West Nile Virus is spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds. The illness is not spread person to person. Many people with the virus will have no symptoms or very mild flu-like illness. Mild symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach, and back.”

The most effective way to avoid West Nile virus disease is to prevent mosquito bites.

The district advises Nevadans and visitors to take the following precautions to prevent West Nile Virus throughout the summer months:

Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection. More information about insect repellents can be found at dcmosquito.org.

When weather permits, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors. Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with repellent containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent will give extra protection. Don’t apply repellents containing permethrin directly to skin. Do not spray repellent on the skin under your clothing.

Take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours. Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing from dusk to dawn or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.

Mosquito-proof your home. Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside. Use your air conditioning, if you have it. Empty standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, livestock troughs and birdbaths on a regular basis.

For more information about West Nile Virus, visit http://dcmosquito.wix.com/dcmad