Umatilla County officials confirmed that West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes trapped along the Umatilla River near Cooney Lane and Canal Road in Umatilla County, according to a press release. Testing at the Oregon State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Corvallis confirmed the results. This is the first time the virus has been detected in the county this year.

West Nile virus has been detected this year in most of the counties surrounding our district, so we were fully expecting to find it again this year at some point, Randy Gerard, manager of West Umatilla Mosquito Control District, said in the press release.

Because of the positive sample, area residents can anticipate more applications of insecticides from truck-mounted sprayers to reduce mosquito populations, Gerard said. The insecticides will be applied after sunset, when mosquitoes are most active.

West Nile is primarily transmitted by birds, and some, 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, Gerard said.

The public is encouraged to alert district officials when they come across dead birds, so the district can track the spread of the virus, according to the press release.

The risk of contracting West Nile virus is low, and most people who become infected with West Nile Virus do not become ill, according to the press release. Symptoms of the virus include 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. People with severe or unusual headaches should seek medical care as soon as possible.

Officials remind people to protect themselves from mosquito bites in the following ways:

Get rid of old tires and other containers where water can accumulate and serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

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 dead bird sightings to the West Umatilla Mosquito Control District, 541-567-5201, or Umatilla County Public Health Department, 541-278-5432.

Because horses are also at risk for West Nile, health officials encourage horse owners to get their animals vaccinated. Veterinarians can also arrange for horses suspected of having West Nile to be tested.