Tulsa Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile Virus

The Tulsa Health Department says a sampling of mosquitoes this week in Tulsa tested positive for West Nile virus.

Friday, May 29th 2015, 11:12 am

By: News On 6

Tulsa Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile Virus

The Tulsa Health Department says a sampling of mosquitoes this week in Tulsa tested positive for West Nile virus.

However, officials say there have been no confirmed human cases of the virus in Tulsa County.

The health department gathered samples from 11 mosquito traps and mosquitoes in one of those traps tested positive for West Nile virus. That trap is located in a one mile area of bordered by Yale and Sheridan and 21st Street South and 31st Street South.

Typically, the months of July through October are the highest risk months for exposure to West Nile in Oklahoma, but the department begins its mosquito surveillance program in May.

“Our mosquito surveillance program is vigilant in testing for West Nile virus,” said Bernard Dindy, Tulsa Health Department environmental health services program manager.

“But more importantly, we work proactively to control the mosquito population by larviciding to kill the eggs before they become adults. We routinely test 50-60 pools weekly, and once a positive sample is identified we are aggressive in implementing mosquito control methods in the area and informing the public so they can protect themselves.”

The department says during a typical mosquito season, they spray hundreds of square miles for adult mosquitoes.

Tulsa Health Department - Mosquito Control Information

West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, which feeds on infected birds and then transmits the virus when biting humans, horses, and some other mammals.

4/27/2015 Related Story: State Health Officials Issue Early Warning For West Nile Virus