Human cases of West Nile Virus found in Ottawa Co

The Larimer County Health Department is warning residents of a continuous threat of contracting West Nile Virus in Fort Collins.

Health officials say people in the area should take precautions against mosquito bites to avoid possible infection.

Two more wild birds and a horse in Ventura County have tested positive for West Nile virus, the county’s Environmental Health Division said Thursday in a news release. West Nile virus-positive mosquito pools have been detected in Bay, Kent, Oakland, Saginaw and Wayne counties.

Cutting down: While there has been spraying across the county and state to cut down on the populations, it’s all for nothing if the mosquitoes can still find places to lay their eggs.

The first human case of West Nile virus for 2015 in York County – and the ninth in Pennsylvania – was reported on Tuesday.

West Nile virus emerged in the United States in 1999 and was first reported in California in 2002.

Just one month after mosquitoes were found harboring the disease in an area that included part of downtown, the San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District collected infected specimens Monday in a section to the east. Roughly 25 per cent of those who has the virus will show symptoms of West Nile fever. People above the age of 50 are at highest risk for experiencing serious illness from the virus.

° Limit outdoor activity from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Symptoms may be flu-like, including severe headache, fever, fatigue, weakness or rash.

If you must be outdoors then wear a mosquito repellent that is approved for use by the CDC – those include products that contain DEET, Picaridin, and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.

Install or fix screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside. “While all “4Ds” are important, stopping mosquitoes where they breed is especially crucial”, said Dr. Christopher Perkins, DCHHS medical director/health authority.

Despite the lower number, Baker advised residents to be aware when going outside to protect themselves from bites by using repellent, wearing long sleeve shirts and long trousers.