Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Near Lawton

Most of us around here are used to mosquitoes being just an itchy annoyance, not a medical headline. This week, Comanche County health officials confirmed something most of us hoped to avoid hearing.

West Nile virus has officially shown up in our backyard.

Mosquito pools tested in the Lawton area have come back positive for the virus, and the Oklahoma State Department of Health is reminding everyone that this isn’t just a problem for “somewhere else.”

As of early August, Oklahoma already had eight human cases statewide, and now a growing concern in the southwest.

What does this mean for the rest of us? Mainly, warm summer nights come with a little more risk than usual.

West Nile isn’t new. It has been around Oklahoma for years now, but it tends to spike in late summer when mosquito activity is at its peak.

There is good news. Most folks who get it won’t feel much more than a headache or a rash. But for some people it can be pretty severe. Neurological symptoms, hospital visits, and a long recovery.

Ways to avoid the risks. 

Obviously, you could stay inside in the evenings, but summer nights are prime back porch time across SWOK. Instead of dressing down, wear pants and long sleeves. I know that sounds counter-productive to the idea of staying cool, but ask any Oklahoma farmer... Long sleeves won't make you any hotter than usual as long as it's cotton or linen.

Bug spray is a solid option too. Granny used to douse us in Avon, but regular DEET spray is the norm these days. And if you have water around, maybe in that nasty old birdbath, get rid of it.

This may all sound like overkill, but the stakes are a little higher now that it’s officially local.

Comanche County isn’t in panic mode, but it is asking people to pay attention. With a couple of months of prime mosquito season still ahead of us, it’s better to be cautious than be the next case.