Mosquitoes in Missouri test positive for West Nile virus

Health officials in Missouri said yesterday that they have received the first report this year of mosquitoes testing positive for the West Nile virus in the state.

According to a statement from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, on May 23, mosquitoes in two areas of southern Jefferson County, south of St. Louis, tested positive for the virus. The county has begun spraying the area for mosquitoes.

Dr. Howard Pue, state public health veterinarian, said even though the finding does not indicate the kind of season it's going to be for West Nile virus, and there is no way to predict how bad the year will be, it is a reminder for everyone to start thinking about West Nile prevention.

Most people infected with West Nile virus after a mosquito bite do not experience symptoms, but about 20 percent experience symptoms including fever and head and body aches. The virus sometimes infects the nervous system, causing diseases like meningitis or encephalitis.

State officials said people can reduce their chances of mosquito bites by taking the following measures:

• Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants if they are outdoors when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk or when there is heavy cloud cover and high humidity.

• By applying insect repellent that contains DEET or picaridin, an alternative to DEET, sparingly to exposed skin and to shoes, socks, and pant legs.

• Bu using screens on any open doors and windows, and checking to make sure they aren't damaged by holes or tears.

• By reducing mosquito breeding sites by removing weeds, trash and places that hold standing water.