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Positive West Nile Virus Sample Confirmed in No. Nevada

State officials have confirmed the first positive sample of the West Nile Virus in northern Nevada this year.
State officials have confirmed the first positive sample of the West Nile Virus in northern Nevada this year.

http://kunr-assets.trinityannex.com/audios/1169_west_nile_for_web.MP3

State officials have confirmed the first positive sample of the West Nile Virus in northern Nevada this year. The positive mosquito sample was collected in Douglas County and State Veterinarian Anette Rink says that the last several weeks of hot temperatures have created a regional climate that's particularly conducive to virus transmission, posing a threat to people and horses. "It is a real risk; it always has been. We've had dozens of cases in northern Nevada over the years. And this year so far, we've had four people confirmed positive in Clark County; one, unfortunately, was a fatality." Because of the recent heat, it may only take 3 days for mosquito larvae to hatch. Rink says residents should frequently clean areas prone to standing water, like bird houses and watering cans, to avoid mosquito breeding grounds. The virus was first discovered in Nevada nine years ago.

Michelle Billman is a former news director at KUNR Public Radio.