Agency finds West Nile in Elko County

ELKO — A mosquito pool in northern Elko County has tested positive for West Nile virus, the Nevada Department of Agriculture said Tuesday.

The state agency said a pool east of Wildhorse Mountain is the second spot in the state where the virus has been found this year.

The virus was detected in Churchill County on June 1.

At least 183 cases of Nevadans infected with the virus have been confirmed since it was detected in the state in 2003. Cases have occurred in all 17 counties, and Nevada’s first death was reported last year.

Officials said the positive tests come three weeks earlier than last year.

West Nile is spread by mosquitoes.

Health officials advise the best way to protect against the virus is to wear insect repellent and long sleeves and pants when mosquitoes are most active, at dawn and dusk.

Officials recommend removing any standing water where mosquitoes might breed and making sure window screens are intact and fit properly.