There are several types of encephalitis, but the two that can occur in this area are Western Equine, and St. Louis encephalitis. Western Equine encephalitis is spread by the mosquito species Culex tarsalis . Two species, Culex pipeins, and Culex quinquefasiatus spread the St. Louis variety. All three species are found in Tulsa County. In addition, the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus has recently moved into this area, and can potentially vector several diseases including encephalitis.
Abatement consists of larviciding and adulticiding operations.
These operations are conducted April through October to control the number of mosquitoes in the County. Larviciding is the elimination of mosquitoes in the larval or pupal stage. Mosquito larvae are found in standing stagnant water found in natural cavities, artificial containers, manmade cavities, temporary water, and permanent water. This larvicide is not a poison, but a growth hormone regulator specific to mosquitoes. Larvae exposed to Altosid will not mature into adult mosquitoes, and eventually die in the larval stage.