Human West Nile virus cases reported in Lyon County

City of Fernley vector control update

Carson City Health and Human Services (CCHHS) is reporting the first human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in Lyon County for 2017. The Disease Control and Prevention Division at CCHHS oversees disease surveillance and investigations in Lyon County and is the agency monitoring the situation. The individuals confirmed to have WNV were diagnosed with the less severe form of the illness. These are the first human West Nile virus cases to have been reported in Lyon County this year. Two individuals were identified to have WNV through the blood donation pre-screening process and one individual was confirmed to have the less severe form of the illness.

The City of Fernley Vector Control provides citywide surveillance and abatement of mosquitoes through reduction of larva and adult insects. The City provides these services within City limits through fogging, spraying and other application techniques. Vector Control has seen an increase in mosquito activity due to the extremely wet winter, and the City is actively monitoring and abating areas of concern, as necessary, on a daily basis.

The most effective way to avoid West Nile virus is to prevent mosquito bites. Be aware of the WNV activity in your area and take action to protect yourself and your family.

• Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-methane-diol products provide longer lasting protection. More information about insect repellents can be found at https://www.cdc.gov.westnile/faq/repellent.html.
• 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 activity 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 and birdbaths on a regular basis.

For more information about West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses, visit GetHealthyCarsonCity.org or via phone at (775) 887-2190 or email cchhsinfo@carson.org.