West Nile virus, which is spread by mosquitoes, has been detected in six additional mosquito pools captured last week from various testing sites in the rural areas of Boardman and Irrigon, according to Oregon State University, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.
This brings the county’s total West Nile positive pools to 13. The pools were collected on Aug. 11.
The mosquito pools will be shipped for testing at the Oregon State University Diagnostic Laboratory on Wednesday. The North Morrow County Vector Control District is preparing for an aerial spray mission on the night of Sunday, Aug. 22.
The district is advising people in Morrow County to take precautions against mosquitoes to avoid the risk of infection, including preventing mosquito bites. West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.
People should consult their health care providers if they have these symptoms. Health care providers can contact the Morrow County Health Department for information on West Nile virus testing.
Greg Barron, manager of the vector control district, provided the following tips to protect yourself against mosquitoes:
- Eliminate sources of standing water that are a breeding ground for mosquitoes. This includes watering troughs, bird baths, clogged gutters and old tires.
- When engaged in outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, protect yourself by using mosquito repellants containing DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus or Picardin, and follow the directions on the container.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants in mosquito-infested areas.
- Make sure screen doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly.
