Oklahoma City-County Health Department (OCCHD) experts confirm one human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Oklahoma County.

Image/francok35
Image/francok35

As we move further into the summer, OCCHD Public Health Protection Director Phil Maytubby said, “Residents should be vigilant by getting rid of any sources of stagnant water and always wear repellent containing DEET.”

Check your property carefully. Empty buckets, flower pots, old tires from holding water. Empty and refill birdbaths along with your pet’s outdoor water bowl daily.

For standing water that cannot be drained, use microbial larvicides commonly called “dunks” that kill mosquito larvae before they emerge as adults. They are available at hardware or home improvement stores.

Maytubby notes that West Nile Virus can be debilitating and deadly.

Use 3-D’s and a “P” of mosquito safety:

  1. DRAIN standing water on your property so mosquitoes wont’ breed
  2. Use DEET repellent on your clothes
  3. DRESS in long sleeves and pants
  4. PROTECT – limit outside exposure and check window screens

West Nile symptoms include fever, headache, body ache, and sometimes a rash. The most susceptible are infants, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. If symptoms are severe, please contact your doctor immediately.