First 2018 locally contracted case of human West Nile Virus confirmed in Washoe County

Health officials are reporting a South Meadows resident who tested positive for West Nile Virus is suspected to be the first locally contracted case this year in Washoe County. 

Washoe County District Health Officer Kevin Dick in a Thursday press release said there have been fewer reported cases of West Nile in Washoe County this year than last, but that doesn't mean the mosquitoes carrying the virus aren't still in the area. 

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"Even though we monitor mosquito activity, conduct larvicide treatments, and fog areas of known activity, this is a reminder that people must be vigilant and take personal measures to keep from being bitten by mosquitoes,” he said in the release. 

This month's confirmed case of West Nile follows reports of mosquitoes captured in the Damonte Ranch and Hidden Valley areas that tested positive for the virus in late July. 

Nevada reported its first 2018 confirmed human case of West Nile in August when a resident of Lyon County contracted the virus, but it was determined that the mosquito bite that caused the infection happened outside the state. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Washoe County Health District recommend wearing repellent when outside no matter the time of day, as different types of mosquitoes are still active at night. 

They also suggest to wear proper clothing, make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and to remove standing water from around your property. 

Symptoms of West Nile may include fever, headache, body ache, skin rash and swollen lymph glands. The virus has a human incubation period of three days.