West Nile Virus Confirmed in Tulsa County

Tulsa Health Department officials confirmed that a sample of mosquitoes from a trap in Tulsa County has tested positive for West Nile virus. It is important for residents to remember to take precautions against WNV and other mosquito borne illness. At this time, there have been no confirmed cases of WNV in humans in Tulsa County this year.
The months of July through October are typically the highest risk months for exposure to WNV in Oklahoma, however THD proactively begins a mosquito surveillance program each May.  
“Our mosquito surveillance program is vigilant in testing for West Nile virus,” said Bernard Dindy, Tulsa Health Department environmental health services program manager. “But more importantly, we work proactively to control the mosquito population by larviciding to kill the eggs before they become adults. We routinely test 50-60 pools weekly, and once a positive sample is identified we are aggressive in implementing mosquito control methods in the area and informing the public so they can protect themselves.”