Tulsa Health Dept. Announces Summer Plan For Fending Off Mosquitoes

The Tulsa Health Department just announced its plan to fend off mosquitoes this summer and to protect people from diseases they may carry.            

They say there were no reported cases of West Nile Virus in Tulsa County in 2020 and none so far this year. But back in 2019, health leaders say one person died from the virus spread by mosquitoes.

They say the key to staying on top of West Nile is prevention since there is no vaccine or treatment available. That's why the health department has set up several traps across the county to monitor how many mosquitos are in the area and to test them for the virus.

They say when they identify a case, they'll start spraying the area and will alert the public through the Nextdoor app, on the Tulsa Health Department's Facebook page and website.

Anyone who tests positive for West Nile could experience symptoms similar to COVID-19 or the flu, such as fever, headache, and body aches.

"For West Nile Virus it's that prevention just like with COVID is prevention and so if you're taking those measures hopefully you can eliminate your risk," said THD Epidemiology Supervisor Jessica Rice.

The Tulsa Health Department says you can protect yourself by wearing long sleeve shirts and pants and using bug spray with DEET when your outside.

They say it's also important to empty anything with standing water in it every couple of days.