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West Nile Virus Detected in Umatilla County, Oregon

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Umatilla County Officials report that West Nile virus has been detected in a mosquito sample trapped in Umatilla County, Oregon. The mosquitoes were captured on August 3rd near  Dallas Road east of Hermiston.  Confirmation testing at the Oregon State University, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Corvallis, Oregon took place on August 8th.  This is the first detection of the virus in Umatilla County in 2023.

Residents in the area can expect to see an increase in mosquito control operations based on the positive sample. Ultra Low Volume (ULV) applications of insecticides from truck mounted sprayers will be used to reduce mosquito populations. These applications will typically be made after sunset when mosquitoes are most active. All applicators are licensed by the Oregon Department of Agriculture.

West Nile is primarily a bird disease, and some birds, including magpies, blue jays, and crows are especially susceptible. Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on an infected bird and can pass the virus to humans, horses, or other hosts when they bite. The public is encouraged to continue to alert district officials when they come across dead birds so the district can track the spread of the virus.

The risk of West Nile is low but people are encouraged to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves against mosquito bites. Most people who become infected with West Nile Virus do not become ill. Some may develop mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, and occasionally swollen lymph glands or a rash.  In rare cases West Nile may cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain.  Individuals with severe or unusual headaches should seek medical care as soon as possible. Residents of the district should remain vigilant in protecting themselves from mosquitoes and the diseases that they can carry, such as West Nile virus.

Here are some suggestions to reduce the risk of exposure to West Nile:

  • Get rid of old tires and other containers where water can accumulate and serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
  • Flush or replace the water in horse troughs weekly.
  • Be sure to flush or add mosquito fish to ornamental ponds.
  • Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when in mosquito infested areas.
  • Use mosquito repellents containing DEET, Picaridin , or Oil of lemon eucalyptus and make sure to follow the directions on the container.
  • Screen doors and windows.
  • Report mosquito infestations and dead bird sightings to the West Umatilla Mosquito Control District (541) 567-5201

Because horses are also at risk for West Nile and can become severely ill, health officials encourage horse owners to check with their veterinarians for vaccination.  Veterinarians can test suspected horses with West Nile at Oregon State University at no cost.

Updates about West Nile Virus in Umatilla County will be released to local media outlets or you can go to the Oregon Department of Human Services web page.

Oregon Health Authority Website

http://public.health.oregon.gov/DiseasesConditions/DiseasesAZ/WestNileVirus/Pages/survey.aspx

Additional information about West Nile virus can be found at:

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

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

Mosquito Control District’s to conduct Aerial Spray in response to large numbers of nuisance mosquitoes.

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The West Umatilla Mosquito Control District and the North Morrow Vector Control District will be conducting targeted aerial mosquito control spraying with a twin engine airplane after sunset on Thursday, May 25th, weather permitting. A treatment will be done on the next available day if there is a weather delay. The application is taking place in response to a large hatch of mosquitoes affecting areas in both Western Umatilla County and Northern Morrow County.

A total of 10,000 acres are to be targeted in the Hwy 730 area between the cities of Umatilla and Irrigon, and also in the Power City and Progress Road areas. The South hill neighborhood and the city of Irrigon are in the spray block. For more information, please contact the West Umatilla Mosquito Control District at 567-5201 or the North Morrow Vector Control District at 541-481-6082.

Here are some suggestions to reduce the risk of exposure to mosquitoes:

  • Get rid of old tires and other containers where water can accumulate and serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
  • Flush or replace the water in horse troughs weekly.
  • Be sure to flush or add mosquito fish to ornamental ponds.
  • Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when in mosquito infested areas.
  • Use mosquito repellents containing DEET, making sure to follow the directions on the container.
  • Screen doors and windows.
  • Report mosquito infestations to the West Umatilla Mosquito Control District (541) 567-5201 or the North Morrow Vector Control District for Morrow County residents (541) 481-6082

West Umatilla Mosquito Control District Begins Mosquito Control Activities

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Hermiston – The West Umatilla Mosquito Control District has begun implementing its 2023 mosquito control program.  The district serves a 525 square mile area in Western Umatilla County, including the towns of Hermiston, Umatilla, Stanfield and Echo.

The District will target areas of standing water where mosquito larvae thrive.  Large water bodies will be sprayed with a helicopter or unmanned aerial vehicles while smaller areas will be treated by hand.  To control adult mosquitoes, the District plans to make treatments using truck mounted ultra low volume foggers.  This spraying will be done after sunset in areas of the District that have large populations of adult mosquitoes. In rural areas, the District will begin aerial spraying to control adult mosquitoes when mosquito trap collections indicate the need for large scale spraying.  Aerial spraying for adult mosquitoes will be done in the early evening hours just after sunset.

About 45 species of mosquitoes are found in Oregon. Within the District boundaries, 14 of these species are commonly found in a variety of habitats. The common house mosquito (Culex pipiens), along with the Culex tarsalis, species very common in the District, are targeted as vectors of West Nile virus.

West Nile is primarily a bird disease, and some birds, including magpies, blue jays and crows are especially susceptible. Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on an infected bird and can pass the virus to humans, horses or other hosts when they bite. The public is encouraged to continue to alert district officials when they come across dead birds, so the district can track the spread of the virus.

The risk of West Nile is low but people are encouraged to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves against mosquito bites. Most people who become infected with West Nile Virus do not become ill. Some may develop mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, and occasionally swollen lymph glands or a rash.  In rare cases West Nile may cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain.  Individuals with severe or unusual headaches should seek medical care as soon as possible.

Residents are encouraged to:

Animal:

  • Vaccinate horses for West Nile virus.

Human:

  • Wear repellents while outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when in mosquito-infested areas.
  • Use mosquito repellents containing DEET, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, Picaridin or 2-undecanone, making sure to follow the label directions on the container.
  • Use EPA registered residual insect sprays on horses making sure to follow the label directions on the container.
  • Make sure all screen doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly.

Environment:

  • Eliminate all sources of standing water which act as a breeding ground for biting mosquitoes. This includes flooded fields, birdbaths, unused wading pools & swimming pools, clogged gutters and old tires. If it holds water for 7 days, it can produce mosquitoes.
  • Stock mosquito fish in water troughs and ornamental ponds. They are available for free at the District Office

 

If for any reason you do not wish to have your property sprayed, please call the mosquito control hotline at 567-5201 and asked to be placed on the no-spray list.

Updates about West Nile Virus in Umatilla County will be released to local media outlets or you can go to the Oregon Department of Human Services web page at: https://public.health.oregon.gov/DiseasesConditions/DiseasesAZ/WestNileVirus/Pages/survey.aspx

Additional information on West Nile is on the Web at:

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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

West Umatilla Mosquito Control District

3005 South 1st Street
Hermiston, OR 97838
info@wumcd.org
541-567-5201

Mailing Address:
PO Box 1168
Hermiston OR 97838

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