West Nile Virus reported in Altus Published Oct. 7, 2016 By Tech. Sgt. Monise S. Butler 97th Medical Group Public Health Office ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- One of the 97th Medical Group’s missions is health promotion & illness prevention. The Public Health Flight assists in this effort by collecting and testing mosquitos around Altus Air Force Base for potential diseases. Recently, several mosquitos collected on base tested positive for the West Nile Virus. However, there have been no reported cases of human transmission and illness at this time.The risk for mosquito-borne illnesses such as the West Nile Virus occurs in the summer and continues into the fall. The best way to prevent infection from mosquito-borne illnesses is to wear insect repellant prior to leaving the house. We also suggest wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially from dusk to dawn when mosquitos are the most active. Also, eliminating standing water in and around your home will significantly reduce your exposure to mosquitoes.The risk of developing illness from West Nile Virus is low. Fortunately, most people infected with West Nile Virus will have no symptoms. About 1 in 5 people who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms. People over the age of 60 are at the highest risk for developing serious complications especially if they suffer from medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, or have received an organ transplant. Less than one percent of the population experience serious illness such as inflammation of the brain.There is currently no specific treatment for West Nile Virus; therefore, taking steps to prevent transmission is key.For more information, contact the 97th Medical Group Public Health Office at 580-481-5488 or visit http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html.