{"id":22758,"date":"2025-08-01T10:00:19","date_gmt":"2025-08-01T15:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tulsa-health.org\/?p=22758"},"modified":"2025-08-25T15:07:19","modified_gmt":"2025-08-25T20:07:19","slug":"thds-mosquito-surveillance-program-detects-mosquitoes-carrying-west-nile-virus-5","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tulsa-health.org\/lo\/thds-mosquito-surveillance-program-detects-mosquitoes-carrying-west-nile-virus-5\/","title":{"rendered":"\u0ec2\u0e84\u0e87\u0e81\u0eb2\u0e99\u0ec0\u0e9d\u0ebb\u0ec9\u0eb2\u0ea5\u0eb0\u0ea7\u0eb1\u0e87\u0e8d\u0eb8\u0e87\u0e82\u0ead\u0e87 THD \u0e81\u0ea7\u0e94\u0e9e\u0ebb\u0e9a\u0e8d\u0eb8\u0e87\u0e97\u0eb5\u0ec8\u0e95\u0eb4\u0e94\u0ec0\u0e8a\u0eb7\u0ec9\u0ead\u0ec4\u0ea7\u0ea3\u0eb1\u0eaa West Nile"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

TULSA, OK – [August 1, 2025]<\/strong> \u2013 The Tulsa Health Department has confirmed the first mosquito trap in Tulsa County has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) this season. Although this detection comes later in the year than usual, it is a routine occurrence and not cause for alarm. Positive mosquito samples are identified in Oklahoma each summer. Currently, there have been no confirmed cases of WNV in humans in Tulsa County this year, but five cases across the state this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhile it\u2019s later than we typically expect to see our first positive trap, this serves as a reminder that West Nile Virus remains a seasonal presence in our area,\u201d said Micheal Morrison, vector control coordinator. \u201cWe continue to emphasize the importance of prevention and personal protection to reduce risk.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mosquitoes can transmit diseases like West Nile virus, so public health officials strongly encourage the use of insect repellent containing DEET to protect yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

THD operates a nationally recognized mosquito surveillance program to confirm when mosquito-borne illnesses are present in the community. Mosquito traps are set weekly in various locations throughout Tulsa County. Samples are collected and tested weekly for the presence of mosquito-borne illnesses. The Tulsa Health Department operates on an efficient budget to control mosquito populations during the spring and summer by surveillance and treats instead of spray.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The objective of the surveillance is to detect the presence of mosquitoes, determine abundance, species, make a risk assessment, and provide a basis for control. Control methods include larviciding and spraying when necessary. Public health is the primary driver for preventing disease infection in Tulsa County.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen a positive trap is detected, our vector control team evaluates the area for targeted adult mosquito control,\u201d added Morrison. \u201cIf spraying is scheduled, we notify affected neighborhoods through the Nextdoor platform to ensure residents are informed in advance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 in late April or May. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe begin setting mosquito traps as part of our surveillance program beginning in early May to monitor for West Nile virus, and to identify any positive mosquitoes as early as possible within the season,\u201d said Morrison. \u201cOur mosquito control program recognizes the importance of preventing mosquito-borne illness by educating the public on bite prevention, dumping any standing water, and identifying areas of concern. THD is prepared to act in the affected areas as soon as weather conditions allow.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, which feeds on infected birds and then transmits the virus when biting humans, horses, and some other mammals. Symptoms of WNV include sudden onset of fever, headache, dizziness and muscle weakness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWest Nile virus can lead to illness and death in some cases,\u201d said Morrison. \u201cIt is important to take steps to prevent mosquitos from biting you and your family. Prevention is made easy by following a few simple steps.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Precautions to take against mosquito bites are the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n