RIVERTON — West Nile Virus has been detected in Fremont County, according to Fremont County Weed and Pest.
A City of Riverton Public Health Alert was released on Thursday, August 9.
The City of Riverton will immediately begin mosquito fogging twice a week in designated areas.
Even previously requested “No spray areas” will be included in the twice a week fogging.
.
Symptoms of West Nile Virus
Katie Bryan, a Wyoming Department of Health epidemiologist, said in a press release that mosquitos spread West Nile virus when they feed on infected birds and then bite people, animals and other birds.
“Most people infected with West Nile virus do not realize it’s happened,” Bryan said.
Among those who become ill, symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph nodes. A very small percentage of those infected develop West Nile neuroinvasive disease with symptoms such as severe headache, fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions and paralysis.
.
Preventing West Nile Virus
The “5 D’s” of West Nile Virus prevention include:
1) DAWN and 2) DUSK – Mosquitos that spread WNV prefer to feed at dawn or dusk, so avoid spending time outside during these times.
3) DRESS – Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt outdoors. Clothing should be light-colored and made of tightly woven materials.
4) DRAIN – Mosquitos breed in shallow, stagnant water. Reduce the amount of standing water by draining and/or removing.
5) DEET – Use an insect repellent containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide). When using DEET, be sure to read and follow label instructions. Other insect repellents such as Picaridin (KBR 3023) or oil of lemon eucalyptus can also be effective.
More information about WNV in Wyoming is available online at health.wyo.gov/publichealth/infectious-disease-epidemiology-unit/west-nile-virus/
