July 30, 2025

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News
August 18, 2023
OSDH reports first human case of West Nile Virus in the state for 2023

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is reporting the first human infections in 2023, caused by West Nile Virus (WNV).

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is reporting the first human infections in 2023, caused by West Nile Virus (WNV).

Over the last month, evidence of WNV activity has increased across the state and is now considered to be widespread. Positive mosquito pools have been identified in many regions of the state, and human infections have occurred in central, south central and southeast Oklahoma.

WNV spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. In Oklahoma, WNV is primarily spread by the Culex mosquito, which feeds on infected birds and then spreads the virus when biting humans, horses, and some other mammals.

This type of mosquito increases in abundance during mid to late summer when temperatures are high, and the weather pattern is dry.

“We expect human cases of WNV every year,” said Jolianne Stone, the State Epidemiologist. “Typically, summertime is the beginning of the WNV season in Oklahoma, so with more people participating in outdoor activities there are increased opportunities for encountering infected mosquitoes.”

OSDH officials are reminding the public to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites as mosquito surveillance pools in the state show continued WNV activity.

Tips to avoid mosquito bites and prevent WNV:

• Use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 on exposed skin and clothing when going outdoors, particularly between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are more likely to bite. Insect repellent with permethrin should be used on clothing only.

• Repair or install window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of the home.

• Prevent items such as buckets, cans, pool covers, flowerpots, children’s toys and tires from holding water to prevent providing mosquitoes a place to breed.

• Empty pet’s outdoor water bowl and refill daily.

• Scrub and refill bird baths every three days.

• Clean leaves and debris from rain gutters regularly to ensure they are not clogged.

While the vast majority of individuals with WNV will likely never experience symptoms following an infection, those with symptoms, are often mild and may include sudden fever, headache, and body and joint pain.

Recovery typically occurs within one to three weeks.

People older than 50 years, diabetics, or those experiencing uncontrolled hypertension are at a greater risk of developing severe neurologic disease from WNV infection. When the disease affects the nervous system, it can cause confusion or disorientation, loss of consciousness, paralysis, neck stiffness or coma.

Long lasting complications of WNV disease can include difficulty concentrating, migraines, headaches, extreme muscle weakness and tremors, and paralysis of a limb. There is no vaccine or treatment drug for this illness. The best defense is taking steps to avoid mosquito bites.

--- The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) protects and improves public health through its system of local health services and strategies focused on preventing disease. OSDH provides technical support and guidance to 68 county health departments in Oklahoma, as well as guidance and consultation to the two independent city-county health departments in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Learn more at Oklahoma. gov/health.

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HPS gears up for new school year
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As summer winds down, excitement is building across Henryetta as students, families and staff prepare for the 2025-26 school year. Henryetta Public Schools has released its official “Welcome Back” sch...
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Back-to-School Help for Local Families
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Back-to-School Help for Local Families
July 30, 2025
As the start of the new school year approaches, two local organizations are stepping up to support Okmulgee County families with much-needed resources. On Saturday, Aug. 2, both the Okmulgee Family YM...
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County Prayer Walk is Saturday
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An uplifting tradition that brings together communities, churches and schools will once again take place this August as the Okmulgee County Prayer Walk returns for its 9th year. The event is scheduled...
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County addresss insurance, dispatch reorganization
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A full agenda led to wide-ranging discussions and several key decisions during the July 28 regular meeting of the Okmulgee County Board of Commissioners.Commissioners approved various routine items ea...
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HEF Fundraiser Underway
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HEF Fundraiser Underway
July 30, 2025
James McCullough of the Henryetta Education Foundation (HEF) braved the heat last Friday at the Christmas in July event as he promoted the ongoing HEF fundraiser. HEF will hold a drawing on Monday, Se...
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News
OCEM Report
July 30, 2025
This report is a summary of activities Okmulgee County Emergency Management participated in and does not reflect all activities performed by or participated in by Okmulgee County Emergency Management....
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Fourth suspect arrested in Okmulgee homicide case
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Fourth suspect arrested in Okmulgee homicide case
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A fourth individual has been arrested in connection with the July 12 homicide of 25-yearold Devontae Hanson in Okmulgee, as authorities continue to investigate the deadly shooting.On July 24, 33-yearo...
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July 30 OSUIT Blood Drive |
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July 30 OSUIT Blood Drive |
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OSUIT will host a blood drive Wednesday, July 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Covelle Hall. Walk-ins are welcome.
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What is the lesson of Noah and the Ark?
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Noah and the ark, according to Nicole, 8: “Noah had built an ark, and other people did not believe him. He got two of each animal, and then he loaded all of his stuff. It flooded, and he lived.”A chil...
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Henryetta Celebrates Christmas in July
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Henryetta Celebrates Christmas in July
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Downtown Henryetta was alive with holiday spirit, buts lots of summer sunshine last week, as the Henryetta Chamber of Commerce presented its annual “Christmas in July” celebration. There were over 30 ...
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