Jackson County Vector Control District wants to remind residents that August and September are peak months for West Nile virus (WNv) in our county. In August, the District has detected WNv in a total of 8 mosquito samples, primarily from White City and northeast Medford. Prior to August, there had only been a single WNv detection that occurred in July. Birds are reservoirs for WNv and weeks of consistently warm and dry conditions often means more birds and mosquitoes concentrated around fewer water sources, creating ideal conditions for WNv transmission. Additionally, high temperatures allow mosquitoes to develop quickly and also speeds up virus replication. If you are seeing larval or adult mosquitoes on your property, you can place a service request on our website here https://jcvcd.gov/service-request/ or by calling our office at 541-826-2199.
Residents are advised to take basic precautions against mosquitoes since WNv is spread to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. People should consult their health care providers if they experience any flu-like symptoms, especially in people over 50 years of age with underlying conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
The virus also affects wildlife and domesticated farm animals. Horse owners should get their horses vaccinated for WNv and horses with neurologic disease should be examined by a veterinarian. West Nile testing is available at Oregon State University.
The Jackson County Vector Control District suggests the following steps to protect against mosquitoes:
- Eliminate or treat any sources of standing water around your home.
- Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Use repellants containing DEET, oil of lemon/eucalyptus, or Picardin. Always follow the label directions.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors.
- Ensure that screen doors and windows are in good condition and fit tightly.
Additional information about West Nile virus:
Oregon Health Authority website: http://public.health.oregon.gov/DiseasesConditions/DiseasesAZ/WestNileVirus/Pages/survey.aspx
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/ index.htm