Yuma County Public Health Services officials have confirmed the first locally-acquired human case of West Nile virus.
“Health officials routinely test and treat areas throughout the county as a preventive measure. Today’s announcement is a reminder to continue to take proactive steps to protect yourself from mosquito bites,” stated Diana Gomez, Director of Yuma County Public Health Services. “There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus. The best way to prevent West Nile Virus is to avoid mosquito bites.”
Gomez recommends taking the following preventive steps:
● Maintain window and door screens to help keep mosquitoes out of buildings and homes.
● Remove standing water from buckets, unused kiddy pools, old tires or other sites where mosquitoes commonly lay eggs.
● Use nets and/or fans over outdoor eating areas.
● Avoid being outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
● Wear light colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or another EPA approved product to exposed skin or clothing, always following the manufacturer’s directions for use.