West Nile virus found in Tulsa County mosquito

The Tulsa Health Department has confirmed that mosquitoes from one of its traps tested positive for the West Nile virus, officials reported Friday.

Department officials said the sample was taken from a trap in Tulsa County.

“Our mosquito surveillance program is attentive when testing for West Nile virus,” Bernard Dindy, Tulsa Health Department environmental health services program manager, said in a news release. “We are proactive when it comes to controlling the mosquito population by killing the eggs before they become adults.”

The department usually performs about 25 to 30 weekly tests at unique locations. Once a positive sample is found, the sample is identified and “aggressive mosquito control methods” are started.

The months of July through October are typically the highest risk months for exposure to West Nile in Oklahoma, though the health department begins its mosquito surveillance program each May.

The Oklahoma CityCounty Health Department recommends using the three Ds and a P of mosquito safety to keep the mosquito problem at bay:

• DRAIN: Standing water on your property so mosquitoes won’t breed.

• DRESS: In long sleeves and pants when you’re outside to discourage mosquitoes from biting.

• DEET: Spray a safe repellent on exposed skin and clothes. The CDC recommends DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

• PREVENT: Mosquitoes bite any time of day or night. Check and repair screens on doors and windows. Keep them closed and use air conditioning when you can.

To place a complaint about mosquitoes, Tulsa area residents are urged to call 918-595-4219. To report standing or stagnant water, contact 918-5954200 or submit an online environmental complaint form at tulsa-health.org.

Oklahoma City metro area residents can check online for mosquito risk at https://www.occhd.org/ skeetermeter.