Two Cases Of West Nile Virus Confirmed In Tulsa County

The Tulsa Health Department said Thursday it has two confirmed cases of West Nile virus in the county. Officials say these are the first confirmed cases to be reported in Tulsa County this season.

Statewide, health officials say there have been 22 cases as of September 18, including one death attributed to West Nile Virus in Oklahoma County.

9/5/2013 Related Story: Oklahoma County Woman Dies From West Nile Virus

Residents are urged to continue to take precaution against West Nile Virus as months with the highest risk for exposure are the months of July through October.

Elsewhere across eastern Oklahoma, state health officials report confirmed cases of the virus in Cherokee, Muskogee and Rogers counties.

West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Health officials list precautions to take against mosquito bites:

• Use an insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin and clothing when you go outdoors, particularly if you are outside between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are more likely to bite. (Insect repellent with permethrin should be used on clothing only.)
• Repair or install window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
• Prevent items such as buckets, cans, pool covers, flower pots, and tires from holding standing water so mosquitoes don't have a place to breed.
• Empty your pet's outdoor water bowl and refill daily.
• Clean leaves and debris from rain gutters regularly to ensure they are not clogged.

The Tulsa Health Department operates a mosquito surveillance program using mosquito traps in various locations throughout Tulsa County.

Tulsa County-mosquito trap map

In a typical mosquito season, the Tulsa Health Department sprays over 800 square miles for adult mosquitoes. To place a complaint about mosquitoes in your area, call 918-595-4219.