For Immediate Release: 8/24/21

Mosquitoes continue to test positive for West Nile virus in Morrow County

Morrow County, Ore.—West Nile virus, which is spread by mosquitoes, has been detected in four additional mosquito pools captured 8-17-21 from various testing sites in the rural areas of Boardman according to Oregon State University, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

We are advising people in Morrow County to take precautions against mosquitoes to avoid the risk of infection, including preventing mosquito bites. West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.

People should consult their health care providers if they have these symptoms. Health care providers can contact the Morrow County Health Department for information on West Nile virus testing.

Mr. Barron offers these tips for protecting yourself against mosquitoes:

• Eliminate sources of standing water that are a breeding ground for mosquitoes, including watering troughs, bird baths, ornamental ponds, buckets, wading and swimming pools not in use, and old tires.

• When engaged in outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, protect yourself by using mosquito repellants containing DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus or Picardin, and follow the directions on the container.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants in mosquito-infested areas.

• Make sure screen doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly.

Additional information about West Nile virus:

Oregon Health Authority website: http://public.health.oregon.gov/DiseasesConditions/DiseasesAZ/WestNileVirus/Pages/survey.aspx

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/ index.htm

North Morrow Vector Control District

P.O. Box 192 / 3 Marine Drive

Boardman, OR 97818

541.481.6082 Voice / 541.481.6082 Fax

gbarron@centurytel.net

Morrow County Health Department

P.O. Box 799, Heppner, OR 97836

541.676.5421 Voice / 541.481.5652 Fax

Contact: * Gregory A. Barron, Manager

North Morrow Vector Control District

541-481-6082

• Ana Pineyro, Health Educator / Communicable Disease Coordinator

Morrow County Health Department

541-676-5421

• OHA Communications

Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139 

https://ci.irrigon.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Additional-mosquitoes-with-West-Nile-virus-detected-8-17-21.pdf