Published: August 22, 2009 03:26 pm      

Mosquitos test positive for West Nile virus

The West Nile virus mosquitos are back.

“We’ve focused a lot on the H1N1 Swine Flu, but today I received word a pool of mosquitos in McAlester tested positive for the West Nile virus,” Pittsburg County Health Department Administrator Mike Echelle said late Friday afternoon.

It marked the first positive test of mosquitos with the West Nile virus in Pittsburg County for this year.

“At this time, we do not have confirmation of any people with West Nile virus in Pittsburg County or anywhere else in the state, although there is a probable case pending in Northwestern Oklahoma,” Echelle said.

Last year, three Pittsburg County residents contracted the West Nile virus. All three recovered. Statewide, there have been some fatalities in the past.

“We know that mosquitos that transmit West Nile virus are in McAlester and the Pittsburg County area, so the best way to prevent West Nile virus is to prevent mosquito bites,” Echelle said.

It’s best to try and limit outside activity between dusk and dawn, when the mosquitos that transmit the virus are most active, he said.

Echelle also advised to use mosquito repellent with DEET and to be careful and follow instructions when applying the repellent.

If going outside when the mosquitos are active, Echelle said it’s best to wear long sleeves and pants for protection.

Echelle also said it’s a good idea to empty any outside standing water, since that’s where mosquitos that spread the virus leave their larva.

Symptoms of West Nile virus vary, but can include fever, intense headaches, extreme tiredness and weakness and dizziness.

Although there is no vaccine available for humans, there is one for horses, Echelle noted. Horse owners may want to make sure their horses are vaccinated, he said.