“This is the first human case so far this season and there will be more”, said Dr. Tom Safranek, State Epidemiologist for the Department of Health and Human Services.
Advertisement
Larry Bergner, administrative director of the Washington County Health Department, said they use Tulsa as a benchmark for when mosquitoes will be in northeast Oklahoma.
WNV is spread through the bite of the Culex mosquito, which feeds on infected birds and then transmits the virus when biting humans, horses and some other mammals.
People infected with the Zika virus may show mild symptoms such as fever, rash, joint pain, or red eyes for up to a week, while most people won’t show any symptoms at all.
“The Department of Health has found the Asian Tiger mosquito in Richardson County, and what that means is they just found the mosquito”.
Symptoms vary depending on a person’s risk for more severe diseases that involves the central nervous system.
The CDC’s Jamieson said the numbers are concerning but consistent with what’s been seen in other countries affected by Zika outbreaks. He said there’s no record of “local transmission” in the state.
– DRESS in long sleeves and trousers in areas where mosquitoes are active.
“They have cautioned us, of course”, she said. This type of mosquito lives mostly in the South and Southwest areas where the tropical weather is predominant. There are no vaccines for West Nile virus, but over-the-counter medicines can reduce symptoms, according to the CDC.Tips: The same tips to prevent mosquito bites for Zika also apply for the West Nile Virus. “Ten people died past year; it’s our biggest concern”.
Symptoms vary widely but include sudden onset of fever, headache, dizziness and muscle weakness. The good news is that the chances to contract Zika in the U.S are slight, and if you follow the previous recommendations, the Zika virus will not spoil your vacations. We look at 7 ways to fight mosquitoes – from the simple things you can do today, to the bigger picture ideas that are needed as the threat grows.
Preventative measures residents can take to avoid mosquito bites include draining standing water around their property, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long trousers and using EPA-registered insect repellents.
Advertisement
Here at home, the City of Lubbock vector control will continue to survey all bodies of water in the city and county, lay out traps and treat mosquito populations in the water to try and eliminate them before they develop.
