Tag: west nile virus

Northern Colorado health officials confirm first West Nile Virus case in Weld County

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macro photo of a brown mosquito

On Monday, health officials in Northern Colorado confirmed the first case of West Nile Virus found in Weld County this year. The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment says the first case of 2026 comes one month later than it did in 2025. Health officials said they investigated 35 cases of West Nile in Weld County last year. Fortunately, the number of trapped Culex mosquitoes responsible for transmitting the virus is at a five year low.

However, approximately 80% of the ones captured have been in three zones which cover areas including: The Greeley, Evans, Kersey, LaSalle area The Johnstown, Milliken and Platteville area The Firestone, Dacono and Fort Lupton area Residents are encouraged to drain standing water around their homes every week and avoid outdoor activities during dusk and dawn, when the mosquitoes are more active.

They encourage the public to use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, lemon eucalyptus oil or para-menthane-diol. Residents should also wear long sleeves, pants and hats when outside. West Nile symptoms typically appear between three and 14 days after infection. Although many people do not show symptoms, those infected might experience fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, muscle aches, weakness and/or a rash. The WCDPHE said anyone who develops symptoms is encouraged to see a medical professional immediately.

Source: Northern Colorado health officials confirm first West Nile Virus case in Weld County – CBS Colorado

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
Isaiah 60:1

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West Nile Virus Activity Confirmed in Montana

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DPHHS URGES MONTANANS TO TAKE INCREASED CAUTION AGAINST MOSQUITO BITES THIS SUMMER

State and local health officials confirmed the first detections of West Nile virus (WNV) in Montana for summer 2026. WNV activity will likely spread across the state, and the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is urging all Montanans to take increased precautions against mosquito bites. Two mosquito pools have tested positive for WNV in Roosevelt County. Detection of WNV in mosquitoes is an early indicator that activity is increasing within the state, elevating the risk of human illness.

No cases of WNV infections have been reported in humans or horses yet this summer. WNV can cause illness in humans after a bite from an infected Culex mosquito. The increased risk of transmission to humans is expected to continue through October, or as long as mosquitoes remain active in the state. “West Nile virus symptoms span a wide spectrum, with many people experiencing prolonged, flu-like fatigue and body aches, while others remain entirely asymptomatic,” said DPHHS Vectorborne Disease Epidemiologist Devon Cozart.

“The risk of severe illness is a serious concern; every year, some Montanans experience neurological complications that can cause permanent disability or death. We urge everyone to take steps to mitigate these risks by making mosquito bite prevention a daily habit.” Currently, there is no vaccine or targeted medication for WNV in humans, aside from supportive care. Most people who become infected with WNV will be asymptomatic, but one in five experience mild symptoms, including headache, rash, body aches, joint pains, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Fatigue and body aches may persist for weeks following infection. About 1 in 150 human infections result in severe disease, known as neuroinvasive West Nile virus infection. Neuroinvasive West Nile can cause neurological symptoms, including disorientation, stupor, coma, paralysis, vision loss, and convulsions. WNV can be fatal or lead to long-term neurological complications. Horses can also be infected with WNV. Horse owners may contact their veterinarian to obtain an annual vaccine to protect against WNV. Preventing mosquito bites is important when spending time outdoors in the summer, especially during dusk and dawn, which are peak feeding activity times for female Culex mosquitoes.

Permethrin is an insect repellent that can be utilized to treat clothing and gear, including tents. The Environmental Protection Agency also maintains lists of approved insect repellents that can be applied directly to the skin. Emptying standing water at least once per week is important to keep mosquitoes away from homes. For items such as rain barrels, apply a screen to the opening to restrict mosquito access. For other mosquito bite prevention tips, check out the 4 Ds of mosquito bite prevention below.

The 4 Ds of Mosquito Bite Prevention include:

  • DEET: Use insect repellent containing effective ingredients such as DEET or picaridin. To verify the effectiveness of insect repellent, go to the EPA’s webpage on insect repellents.
  • Drain: Drain standing water around the house to prevent mosquito breeding.
  • Dawn/Dusk: Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk. Stay inside or take extra precautions to prevent mosquito bites during these times. If doors or windows are left open in the summer, make sure they’re fitted with screens to keep mosquitoes out of the house.
  • Dress: When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect against bites.

Source: West Nile Virus Activity Confirmed in Montana

Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.
Proverbs 11:4

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New mosquito trap tests positive for West Nile virus in DeKalb County, health officials say

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DeKalb County health officials have confirmed another mosquito trap in the county has tested positive for West Nile virus. The latest confirmed positive test came from a trap in the 30316 ZIP code, which consists of East Atlanta and unincorporated DeKalb, officials announced on Monday morning. The number of mosquito traps that have captured insects infected with the West Nile virus in the county this summer is now eight, with neighboring Fulton County reporting one positive trap. Officials say there have been no human cases of West Nile virus infection in DeKalb County this year.

Residents are advised to remove standing water from gutters, planters, toys, wheelbarrows, and old tires at least once a week. The agency also recommends trimming tall grass and weeds, checking window and door screens and limiting outdoor activity around dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus are most active. People who go outside should use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 and follow the product’s instructions. Wearing long sleeves, pants and socks can also help prevent mosquito bites. Any DeKalb County residents who have more questions about West Nile virus or want to request a mosquito assessment can do so on the county Department of Public Health’s website.

Source: New mosquito trap tests positive for West Nile virus in DeKalb County, health officials say – CBS Atlanta

For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.
2 Corinthians 8:12

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West Nile virus detected in Nashville mosquitoes for first time in 2026

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black mosquito on person s skin

Health officials in Nashville are urging residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites after West Nile virus was detected in mosquitoes for the first time this year. The Metro Public Health Department (MPHD) announced the virus was found in a mosquito pool collected near Cass Street in North Nashville, marking the city’s first detection of West Nile virus in 2026 and the earliest positive mosquito sample of the season. The detection comes after health officials reported elevated West Nile virus activity in mosquito pools during 2025, when one human case of the virus was confirmed. “We can all play a role in reducing the presence of mosquitoes in our community, making our outdoor areas both more pleasant and safer from mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus,” Dr. Sanmi Areola, director of health at the Metro Public Health Department, said in a statement to Fox 17.

As our team educates those in the area where West Nile virus was found, we hope the rest of our community does what they can to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes this summer.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, West Nile virus is the leading mosquito-borne disease in the United States. Most people infected with the virus do not develop symptoms, but about one in five experience fever, headaches, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea or a rash. Fewer than 1% develop a serious neurological illness that can affect the brain or spinal cord, with older adults and people with weakened immune systems facing the greatest risk. Public health officials routinely trap and test mosquitoes throughout the summer to monitor for West Nile virus activity.

A positive mosquito sample does not necessarily mean people in the area will become infected, but it serves as an early warning that the virus is circulating locally. In response to the positive test, MPHD said crews are distributing educational flyers in the affected neighborhood, increasing mosquito trapping, monitoring standing water and applying larvicide where needed to help reduce mosquito populations. The department said it does not spray insecticide to kill adult mosquitoes. Residents can also request a free backyard inspection from the department’s Pest Management team to identify areas where mosquitoes may be breeding. Health officials recommend eliminating standing water from bird baths, flowerpots, buckets, old tires, children’s toys and other outdoor containers where mosquitoes lay eggs. Trimming overgrown vegetation around homes can also help reduce mosquito activity.

To help prevent mosquito bites, the health department recommends using EPA-approved insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, wearing long sleeves and pants outdoors during peak mosquito hours around dusk and dawn, and making sure window and door screens are in good repair. Officials said reducing mosquito breeding around homes can help lower the risk of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses throughout the community.

Source: West Nile virus detected in Nashville mosquitoes for first time in 2026 | Fox News

You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.
John 14:13

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Second bird tests positive for West Nile virus in Ventura County

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close up of mosquito on human skin

For the second time this year, public health staff said a bird in Ventura County tested positive for West Nile virus. The Ventura County Environmental Health Division announced the discovery on Tuesday after receiving confirmation from the California Department of Public Health. County staff said they expect more positive cases to emerge throughout this year’s mosquito season.  Public health officials said they located both birds in the City of Ventura. The first was found on May 12, and the second was located more than two weeks later, on May 28.  Ventura County staff said they will inspect and treat mosquito breeding sources surrounding the area where they found the infected bird. 

They asked residents to take the following steps to minimize exposure to West Nile virus: 

  • Eliminate all standing water sources from your property.
  • Ensure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens without holes.
  • When outdoors, wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts and limit activity, especially at dawn and dusk.
  • Use an EPA-approved insect repellent containing Picaridin, DEET, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (or PMD), or IR3535.

Ventura County Public Health confirmed that there have been no human cases of West Nile virus so far this year.

Source: Second bird tests positive for West Nile virus in Ventura County – CBS Los Angeles

Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, Who delights greatly in His commandments.
Psalm 112:1

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Bird tests positive for West Nile Virus in Ventura County, according to health officials

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close up of mosquito biting human skin

Ventura County health officials on Tuesday confirmed that a local bird tested positive for West Nile Virus earlier in May.  In a news release shared by the Ventura County Environmental Health Division, officials said they received confirmation from the California Department of Public Health that a bird collected on May 12 from Ventura had tested positive for the virus.  “WNV is established in Ventura County and additional WNV positives are expected,” the release said. “This is the first detection of WNV activity this year in Ventura County.” To date, there have been no human cases of the virus reported. 

As part of the investigation, health officials said they would monitor for mosquito breeding sites in the area where the bird was collected and provide treatment if evidence of breeding was found.  In order to limit exposure to West Nile Virus, health officials offered several pieces of advice, including: eliminating standing water on property making sure that doors and windows have tight-fitted screens without holes wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk use Environmental Protection Agency-approved insect repellent containing Picaridin, DEET, Oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535.

West Nile Virus can affect humans and animals, like horses, the agency said. Earlier in May, officials advised the public that rising temperatures paired with increased rainfall would lead to peak mosquito season. They warned of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, otherwise known as an “ankle biter” mosquito, which is aggressive during the daytime and nighttime and can transmit viruses like dengue, Zika, Chikungunya and yellow fever.  Officials said that anyone wishing to report mosquitoes or breeding sources in Ventura County should call the mosquito complaint hotline at 805-658-4310. 

Source: Bird tests positive for West Nile Virus in Ventura County, according to health officials – CBS Los Angeles

Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, Who delights greatly in His commandments.
Psalm 112:1

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