Washoe County confirms 1st human case of West Nile virus
RENO — Health district officials in northern Nevada have confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus in Washoe County this year.
Washoe County District Health Officer Kevin Dick said Tuesday a local resident recently tested positive for the virus most commonly spread through mosquito bites.
He says the victim had been fishing along the Truckee River and at the Sparks Marina, but also had been in Fallon so they don’t know for sure where the virus was contracted.
The district confirmed West Nile virus in mosquito samples taken in July and August in southeast Reno.
Dick says it should serve as a reminder to all residents and visitors to Washoe County to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Eight of 10 people infected with the virus don’t develop symptom but some severe cases can be fatal.