FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

7/30/2025 Nate Reade, Agricultural Commissioner

(760 878-8158

Rob Miller, OVMAP Program Supervisor

(760) 873-7853

Dr. James Richardson, Inyo County Health Officer

(760) 920-0433

Stephanie Tanksley, Inyo County Public Health Deputy Director

(760) 873-7868

 


WEST NILE VIRUS FOUND IN MOSQUITOES TRAPPED IN INYO COUNTY


 

The Owens Valley Mosquito Abatement Program (OVMAP) confirmed today that a single mosquito sample trapped yesterday 7/29/2025 tested positive for West Nile virus. This is the first occurrence of West Nile virus in Inyo County since 2023. Prior to that, West Nile virus had been detected in the Owens Valley several years since first being discovered in our area in 2004. During that time, four human infections were reported, and 3 horses died after being infected with West Nile virus. The single positive sample in Inyo County comes during the same week that 135 samples were positive for the disease statewide.

 

“For every 100 people who are bitten by a West Nile virus-carrying mosquito, only 20 are at risk of contracting West Nile Virus, and of those, fewer than 1% are likely to experience life-threatening reactions” according to Inyo County Health Officer, Dr. James Richardson. Nevertheless, the public is urged to take precautions discussed below.

 

Likewise, while horses are more at risk for contracting the disease, vaccines are available and horse owners are urged to get their horses vaccinated. For more information, please contact your veterinarian.

 

According to OVMAP Manager Rob Miller, “the positive samples were collected in a trap located on the Owens River Delta near state highway 136 from a mosquito species that lives in tulles and not known to travel much more than a mile”. This area will be heavily treated with an adulticide application following trapping activities due to high adult mosquito populations in the area on Friday morning 8/1/2025. Agricultural Commissioner Nate Reade notes that, “luckily, this detection is not in a densely populated area, but crews will continue to aggressively treat this area until trap results show diminished population levels”.

 

About 20% of those who are bit by an infected mosquito will experience flu-like symptoms that last a few days and resolve on their own. Over-the-counter pain medications can help reduce fever and relieve some of the symptoms. About 1 out of every 150 people who contract West Nile Virus will develop more serious neurologic illness. If you develop symptoms of severe WNV illness, such as unusually severe headaches or confusion, seek medical attention immediately. Pregnant women and nursing mothers are encouraged to seek medical attention if they develop symptoms commonly associated with WNV.

 

While this discovery does not indicate a human case of West Nile Virus, it does emphasize the importance of protecting yourself against mosquito bites by:

 

· Using mosquito repellent. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends using insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or IR3535. Some oil of lemon eucalyptus and Para-Menthane-Diol products provide similar protection.

 

· Avoiding outdoor activities if possible during dawn and dusk. This is especially important during the first two hours following sunset, when species that spread West Nile Virus are actively biting.

 

· Wearing long sleeves and pants. This provides additional protection when used in conjunction with insect repellent

 

To find more information on West Nile Virus, visit the Centers for Disease Control WNV page at https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html, or the California West Nile Virus website at http://www.westnile.ca.gov/.

 

Please report mosquito problems to the Owens Valley Mosquito Abatement Program by calling: (760) 873-7853.

  https://sierrawave.net/west-nile-virus-found-in-mosquitoes-trapped-in-inyo-county/