The Jefferson County Health Department has reported the first detection of West Nile Virus in a mosquito population in the county this year. Specimens, which were collected in unincorporated Hillsboro on Aug. 22, tested positive for the virus on Tuesday, Sept. 2.
The Health Department’s Vector Division will begin implementing mosquito control measures in the affected areas of concern this evening. The agency’s Mosquito Control and Surveillance program will continue to monitor the county for West Nile Virus in the mosquito population, the Health Department reported.
The Health Department encourages county residents to be diligent in protecting themselves and their loved ones when they are outdoors. Protection from mosquitoes and the diseases they carry can be as simple as:
■ Using insect repellents that contain 20-50 percent DEET or picaridin
■ Wearing light-colored clothes
■ Covering exposed skin
No human cases of West Nile Virus have been reported this year. The West Nile Virus is most commonly spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Severe illness can result in hospitalization or death.
In addition to personal protection, residents can protect their homes and property by removing standing water sources, such as old tires, cans, buckets, flowerpot sills, or other containers holding water for mosquitoes to lay their eggs in.
For more information about the JCHD Mosquito Control and Surveillance Program, please visit the health department at jeffcohealth.org.
