Possible West Nile virus human case reported in Oklahoma County, officials say – KOCO Oklahoma City

PREVIOUS YEARS JUSTIN TONIGHT A POSSIBLE HUMAN CASES OF WEST NILE VIRUS REPORTED IN OKLAHOMA COUNTY THE OKLAHOMA CITY COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT SAYS THE RESIDENT HAS BEEN TESTED FOR WEST NILAND IS CURRENTLY IN THE HOSPITAL NOW IF YOU ARE CONCERNED FOR YOUR SAFETY HEALTH EXPERTS SAY THAT THERE ARE MEASURES THAT YOU CAN TAKE HERE LIKE DRAINING STANDING WATER AROUND YOUR HOME DRESS IN LONG SLEEVES AND PANTS WHEN OUT

Possible West Nile virus human case reported in Oklahoma County, officials say

The Oklahoma City-County Health Department on Tuesday reported an Oklahoma County resident has been tested for West Nile virus and is currently hospitalized.“People should be aware that by minimizing the exposure to mosquitoes and taking additional preventative measures, the risk and chances of becoming infected are reduced,” OCCHD Epidemiologist Cynthia Bates said in a news release.Local health officials suggest people take the following precautions to protect themselves and family members from mosquito bites:DRAIN standing water around your home, yard and neighborhood.DUSK and DAWN are the times of day you should try to stay indoors; this is when mosquitoes are most active.DRESS in long sleeves and pants when you’re outside, and spray thin clothing with repellent.DEFEND yourself by using an insect repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says West Nile virus is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people infected with the virus do not develop any symptoms.A news release states that about one in five people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms and about one out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness.Mild symptoms include a sudden fever, headache, dizziness and muscle weakness. Serious symptoms include a high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis.Officials said symptoms usually appear within three to 15 days of being bitten. There is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatments for West Nile virus infection.The risk for mosquito-borne illness remains active until a hard freeze hits the Oklahoma County area.

The Oklahoma City-County Health Department on Tuesday reported an Oklahoma County resident has been tested for West Nile virus and is currently hospitalized.

“People should be aware that by minimizing the exposure to mosquitoes and taking additional preventative measures, the risk and chances of becoming infected are reduced,” OCCHD Epidemiologist Cynthia Bates said in a news release.

Local health officials suggest people take the following precautions to protect themselves and family members from mosquito bites:

  • DRAIN standing water around your home, yard and neighborhood.
  • DUSK and DAWN are the times of day you should try to stay indoors; this is when mosquitoes are most active.
  • DRESS in long sleeves and pants when you’re outside, and spray thin clothing with repellent.
  • DEFEND yourself by using an insect repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says West Nile virus is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people infected with the virus do not develop any symptoms.

A news release states that about one in five people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms and about one out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness.

Mild symptoms include a sudden fever, headache, dizziness and muscle weakness. Serious symptoms include a high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis.

Officials said symptoms usually appear within three to 15 days of being bitten. There is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatments for West Nile virus infection.

The risk for mosquito-borne illness remains active until a hard freeze hits the Oklahoma County area.

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