Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) has identified its first human West Nile Virus (WNV) case this season in Goshen County.
“Recent reports confirm the first human infection of West Nile virus this season involving a Goshen County resident,” Courtney Tillman, epidemiologist with WDH said. “It is important to remain alert and protect yourself from mosquito bites during the last months of summer while mosquitoes remain active.”
WDH suggests using “the 5 D’s” to protect yourself against potential mosquito-borne diseases:
- Dawn and
- Dusk-Mosquitos feed at the beginning and the end of the day, so avoid spending time outside at dawn and dusk.
- Dress-Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts outdoors. Clothing should be loose-fitting and made of tightly woven material.
- Drain-Mosquitos breed in shallow, stagnant water. Reduce the amount of standing water by draining or removing objects with standing water.
- DEET-Use an insect repellent containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide). When using DEET, be sure to read and follow label instructions. Picaridin (KBR 3023) or oil of lemon eucalyptus can also be effective.
Most people infected with WNV do not have symptoms. For those who are symptomatic, they often present with body aches, a headache, rash, swollen lymph nodes and a fever. Those experiencing those symptoms should visit their healthcare provider to discuss testing options.
WNV first appeared in Wyoming in 2002. Reported annual human cases have ranged from one case with no deaths, to 393 and nine deaths in 2003. In 2023, there were 27 WNV cases and four deaths reported among Wyoming residents.
“We fully expect Wyoming’s true case numbers are higher than our numbers reflect because not everyone who is ill gets tested,” Tillman said.
Information from WDH about West Nile virus can be found at www.badskeeter.org.
Certain birds such as crows, ravens, jays, raptors, owls and sage grouse are particularly susceptible to West Nile virus. Any questions/concerns about wild birds should be directed to a local Wyoming Game and Fish Office or to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Wildlife Health Laboratory at (307) 745-5865.