Posted:
Oklahoma City-County Health Department (OCCHD) epidemiologists will use data from the following sources: temperature, mosquito trap counts, disease rate within captured mosquitoes, complaints from residents, human surveillance which includes West Nile Virus (WNV) cases in the state and throughout the Oklahoma County area to determine the risk.
OCCHD Public Health Specialists and Epidemiologists remind us this is a guide for the entire county. These factors are known to increase the risk of WNV to the residents. This tool is a way to quantitatively and consistently monitor and compare risk of human West Nile infection.
This week’s Skeeter Meter Risk Number is 2.25, which is “Low”
The factors considered in the calculation include:
► Average risk temperatures this week.
► Below average number of mosquitos trapped this week.
► No disease identified (among captured mosquitoes).
► Above average number of consumer complaints this week.
► No confirmed human WNV cases.
Here is the range:
(1.0-2.5) – Lower activity season
(2.6-4.0) – Normal activity
(4.1-4.4) – Heightened season
(> 4.5) – Very high activity season
Residents can Fight the Bite by using the 3-D's and a P of mosquito safety:
- DRAIN standing water on your property.
- DEET containing insect repellent when outside. (Picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus)
- DRESS in long sleeves and pants that have been sprayed with repellent.
- PROTECT by limiting exposure outside and check window screens.
Go to www.fightthebiteok.com for more information.