UPDATED to correct fogging schedule in Riverton
The Cities of Lander and Riverton are notifying residents that mosquitos carrying the West Nile Virus have been detected in both cities. Mosquito traps sampled this past week found West Nile Virus infected culex tarsalis, the mosquito species that carries the virus. The virus is transferred to mosquitos after they bite an infected bird.
According to Kevin Johnson at the City of Lander, the infected mosquito found in his city was the first detection this season. He said the City of Lander’s fogging effort will now cover the entire city, including those areas previously identified as No Spray zones. He said the city’s fogger operates on Wednesdays.
In Riverton, the city has increased its daily fogging from once to twice a week, including “no spray” areas, according to a public alert issued Wednesday.
Precautions to avoid being bitten by a mosquito are to wear long sleeve shirts and long pants and to use insect repellant containing Deet. Mosquitos are most active in the early morning and evening hours.