Tulsa Health Department Sampling Detects West Nile Virus In Mosquitoes

Officials from the Tulsa Health Department confirmed Friday that a sample of mosquitoes from a trap in Tulsa County has tested positive for West Nile Virus.

According to THD, there have been no confirmed cases of the virus in Tulsa County this year, however, officials urge residents to continue taking the necessary precautions against West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses.

THD operates a nationally recognized mosquito surveillance program, setting traps in various locations throughout Tulsa County and tests the collected samples for mosquito-borne illnesses on a weekly basis.

The health department said the months of July through October are typically the highest risk months for exposure to West Nile Virus in Oklahoma.

THD recommends taking the following precautions against mosquito bites:

1. Dump and drain items such as buckets, cans, pool covers, flower pots, and tires from holding standing water so mosquitoes don’t have a place to breed.
2. Use an insect repellent containing DEET or other CDC-approved repellents 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.)
3. Wearing long sleeves and long pants that are loose-fitting and made of light colors.
4. Repair or install window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
5. Encourage your friends and neighbors to dump and drain and to use repellents.
6. Clean leaves and debris from rain gutters regularly to ensure they are not clogged.

To place a complaint about mosquitoes in your area or to report standing or stagnant water, contact the Tulsa Health Department at 918-582-9355 or submit an online environmental complaint form on THD's website at www.tulsa-health.org.

Click Here to view the Tulsa Health Department's interactive data page that includes a map of West Nile Virus positive locations in Tulsa County.