Second Human Case Of West Nile Virus Confirmed In Oklahoma County

A second human case of West Nile Virus is confirmed in Oklahoma County.

The Oklahoma City-County Health Department issued a press release on their findings Thursday morning.

The first confirmed human case of the virus in Oklahoma County was announced on June 9. So far it is the sixth confirmed human case in the state this year.

Health officials warn residents to take extra precautions against the mosquito-borne illness by staying indoors and eliminating the habitats that mosquitoes flock to live and breed.

7/9/2015 Related Story: OKC-County Health Department Confirms Human Case Of West Nile Virus

Officials say residents should check and empty any standing water in buckets, flower pots, wheelbarrows, old tires etc. on your property. Also, empty and refill water in birdbaths and outdoor pet water dishes.  

For standing water sources that cannot be drained, OCCHD recommends microbial larvicides that kill mosquito larvae before they emerge as adults.  They are available at hardware or home improvement stores.

All residents are urged to use the 4 D’s of mosquito safety:

1. DRAIN standing water on your property so mosquitoes won’t breed

2. Use insect repellant that contains DEET on your clothes

3. Stay indoors at DUSK and DAWN when mosquitos are most prevalent

4. DRESS in long sleeves and pants and spray repellant on your clothes.

West Nile symptoms include fever, headache, body ache, and sometimes a rash. The most susceptible to the illness include infants and the elderly. If symptoms are severe, health officials say to contact your doctor immediately.

Learn more about West Nile Virus infections.