West Nile confirmed in sample collected in Mason Valley
MINDEN — Nevada agriculture officials have said a sample from a mosquito pool in Mason Valley has tested positive for West Nile virus.
It was the first positive result in Nevada this year and comes later in the season than previous years.
The Gardnerville Record-Courier reported that up until Friday, the 847 samples from statewide surveillance stations have all been negative.
Department of Agriculture spokesman Ed Foster said West Nile virus first showed up in Nevada in 2003.
He said the latest confirmation should be a reminder for people to use insect repellent and to wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors and insects are active, especially around dawn and dusk.
Residents also are advised to remove from around their homes any sources of standing water that attract mosquitoes.