Tulsa Health Department Finds Mosquitos Carrying West Nile Virus

The Tulsa Health Department has confirmed a sampling of mosquitoes from northern Tulsa County tested positive for West Nile Virus.

In a news release the department stated there have been no confirmed cases of the virus in humans in the county, but says July through October are typically the highest risk months for exposure to West Nile Virus.

“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 spraying the area and informing the public so they can protect themselves.”

The health department says special mosquito traps are set in various locations across the county. Samples are collected and tested weekly.

Health officials said of the 50 trap samples tested this week, one came back positive for WNV. That sample came from a trap located in a one mile square area between Peoria and Lewis and 66th Street North and 76th Street North.

They say 291 trap samples have been tested so far this season with about 6,100 mosquitoes collected for testing.

The 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 include sudden onset of fever, headache, dizziness, and muscle weakness.

The health department says long-lasting complications can include difficulty concentrating, migraine headaches, extreme muscle weakness and tremors and paralysis of a limb. If any of these symptoms develop after suffering mosquito bites within the previous two weeks, officials say a doctor should be contacted.

The Tulsa Health Department works to control mosquito populations during the spring and summer by larviciding and adulticiding when necessary. To place a complaint about mosquitoes in your area, please call 918-595-4219.