San Bernardino County confirms first two human West Nile virus victims

This week, the Health Department launched its annual larvicide application program to reduce the mosquito population and prevent West Nile Virus (WNV) and other mosquito-borne diseases. “One of the pools trapped on July 30 tested positive for West Nile virus”.

Megan Caldwell, public health and outreach officer for the San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District, said 93 percent of adult mosquitoes were eradicated in fogging that took place between Sunday night and Monday morning.

WNV is one of a group of viruses spread by mosquito bites. A sample collected by the county July 1 on Fender Road, on the city’s northeast side, also tested positive for West Nile.

There have been almost a dozen cases of West Nile in humans in the state this year, but none so far in Tulsa County.

During 2014, 6 Connecticut residents developed West Nile Virus-associated illnesses, none were fatal. Most individuals infected with the virus will not experience any illness. Symptoms include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and/or disorientation.

“If you’re working out in the heat of the day, you’re less prone to get bit by a mosquito because they don’t like the hot, they don’t like the sun”, said Stacey Pope at Van Wilgen’s Garden Center in North Branford.

Although the illness commonly has affected older individuals, even healthy younger people have been sick with West Nile Disease this year. In Dallas County West Nile infections reached epidemic levels.

Drain, Dress & wear DEET. Empty, remove, cover or turn upside down any containers that will hold standing water (bottles, cans, tires, buckets, flower pots, etc.).

Public Works crews maintain 16 mosquito traps throughout the city, checking them weekly.

The use of insect repellant can be helpful for anyone who is spending time outdoors. “We encourage everyone to take steps to prevent mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent and covering bare skin, especially during dusk and dawn when biting mosquitoes are most active”.